Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, holds a storied place in African football history.
They have clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title four times, making them one of the continent’s most successful sides behind Egypt’s seven and Cameroon’s five wins.
Their victories came in 1963, when they hosted and beat Sudan 3-0 in the final; 1965, defeating Tunisia 3-2 after extra time; 1978, again as hosts, overcoming Uganda 2-0; and 1982, edging out Libya on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
These early successes established Ghana as a powerhouse, but the team has endured a painful drought since that 1982 triumph, now stretching over 43 years. Fans have watched agonizingly as the Black Stars came oh-so-close to ending the wait on several occasions.
In 1992, they fell to Ivory Coast in a marathon penalty shootout (11-10) after a goalless final. The heartbreak repeated in 2010, with a 1-0 loss to Egypt, and in 2015, another penalty defeat to Ivory Coast (9-8) following a 0-0 draw. These runner-up finishes highlight Ghana’s consistency in reaching deep stages, having made the semifinals in six of the last eight tournaments before recent slips.
Yet, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON in 1986, 1988, and 1990, marking a low point in the 1980s.
They bounced back impressively, but stumbled again in 2004, missing out for the first time in over a decade. Most recently, in a shocking turn, the Black Stars didn’t qualify for the 2025 edition, their first absence since 2004, finishing bottom of their group behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger.
This came after early exits in the 2021 and 2023 tournaments, raising questions about the team’s direction.
Despite these setbacks, Ghana’s passion for football remains undimmed. With 24 AFCON appearances, only surpassed by Egypt and Ivory Coast, the Black Stars continue to inspire hope.
Will the next generation break the drought? Time will tell, but their legacy endures as a testament to African football’s drama and resilience.
