Ghanaian legend Ibrahim Tanko has expressed disappointment in the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. 
For the first time in two decades, the four-time African champions will be absent from the continent’s top tournament.
Group F concluded with Ghana at the bottom, with a record of three draws, three losses, and no wins.
The Black Stars drew 1-1 with Angola in Luanda and then lost 2-1 to Niger in Accra, marking their final two games.
“It is very bitter for us and also a big blow for Ghana football because this is the first time in over 20 years that we are not qualifying for the competition,” Tanko told Flashscore.
“It is not good for us, the former players, as well as the Ghana Football Association. We are going to feel it.
“In terms of players, we have them. For these games (vs. Angola & Niger), some players did not come, yet we still had an excellent squad to compete.
“Qualification for tournaments have always been easy for Ghana except for this one. The GFA needs to examine their performance, as they have consistently failed to advance past the group stage in recent tournaments.
Though the ex-Dortmund player is disappointed, he admits there’s no such thing as an underdog anymore in football, stressing that a national team’s strength depends on the quality of its domestic league.
“Consider the teams we faced! In the past, everyone could predict the outcomes against Ghana, but football has completely evolved.
“Today, every country boasts talented players in their domestic leagues and abroad. Take Sudan, for example – their league may not be top-tier, but their national team is excelling, even leading their World Cup qualification group ahead of Senegal. This shows how competitive football has become across the board.
“This applies to other countries as well, not just Ghana. Everyone knows how to play football now, so you must prepare thoroughly, just as you would when facing any of the top teams.”
Ghana started their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw with Niger.
Despite their hopes of a victory, the Black Stars were held to a scoreless draw against Sudan in the first leg of the doubleheader at the Accra Sports Stadium. They ultimately lost the second leg 2-0.