Michael Essien brands Ghana’s AFCON 2025 qualification failure as DISAPPOINTING

Former Ghana international Michael Essien has described the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 as a major disappointment, urging the team to quickly turn the page.

Ghana endured a difficult qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group after six matches, managing just three draws and suffering three defeats.

The setback meant the four-time African champions missed out on the continental showpiece, which was staged in Morocco for the first time in more than 20 years.

Reflecting on the outcome, Essien admitted the failure was painful but stressed the importance of moving forward.

“Of course it was a big disappointment, [but] in football, you have to move on from that,” Essien told FIFA.com.

“The good thing in football is you always have the next game to make things right,” he added.

Despite the AFCON setback, the Black Stars have responded positively, securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the Mundial and face a daunting Group L challenge against England, Croatia, and Panama.

The Black Stars are scheduled to open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23, and concluding their group stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.