The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), during a press briefing in Kumasi, stressed that securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains a monumental achievement and should not be taken for granted.
The remarks came in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ departure from the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire after the first round.
Despite the early exit, the GFA President sought to place the qualification in perspective, framing it as a commendable accomplishment for the association.
Ghana has consistently secured a spot in the AFCON tournament since failing to qualify for the 2004 edition.
However, the GFA President, in his address, underscored the historical context, highlighting the periods when the national team faced challenges in making it to the prestigious continental competition.
The President remarked, “Making it to the mundial in 2022 was a big step for us (after missing out on the 2018 edition). Qualifying for the AFCON, even though today we see it as a given, was a big step because we’ve had times that our Black Stars never made it to the AFCON.”
This perspective aims to instill a sense of appreciation for the journey and the evolution of Ghanaian football, emphasizing that each qualification is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the national team and the footballing community.
As the GFA reflects on the early exit from the 2023 AFCON, the focus remains on continuous improvement and building a formidable team for future competitions.
The acknowledgment of the significance of AFCON qualification serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of football and the need to celebrate each step forward in the journey of the Black Stars.
