The year 2024 delivered a mixed bag for Ghanaian football, featuring moments of triumph and heartbreak. While there were pockets of joy, the overarching narrative was one of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
AFCON 2023 Disappointment
Ghana’s footballing year began on a sour note with a dismal outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage after an opening loss to Cape Verde and successive draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
The poor showing highlighted the team’s struggles on the continental stage, culminating in Chris Hughton’s dismissal as head coach. The once-proud footballing nation was left to grapple with the reality of its declining stature in African football.
Samartex FC’s Premier League Triumph
Back home, the Ghana Premier League provided a rare bright spot. Samartex FC etched their name in history, claiming their first league title in the club’s 28-year existence. Under Nurudeen Amadu’s stewardship, the Timber Giants sealed the championship with a decisive 2-0 victory over Accra Lions on the final day.
The triumph was a moment of pride for the people of Samreboi, who celebrated their team’s meteoric rise since earning promotion to the top flight just two seasons prior.
Dreams FC Shine in Africa
Dreams FC carried the nation’s hopes in continental football, making a historic run in their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Led by coach Karim Zito and powered by the brilliance of striker John Antwi and Abdul Aziz Issah, the Dawu-based side defied expectations, becoming Ghana’s lone torchbearers in African club competitions.
World Cup Qualifiers: A Glimmer of Hope
The national team found some redemption in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Otto Addo returned as head coach and inspired a 2-1 victory over Mali and a thrilling 4-3 win against the Central African Republic. These results momentarily lifted the gloom surrounding the Black Stars, but doubts linger about the team’s long-term trajectory.
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: A Historic Failure
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations marked one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s football history. For the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars missed out on the tournament, failing to secure a single win in the qualifiers.
The campaign began with a home loss to Angola, ending a 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Yara Stadium, and spiraled downward from there. The debacle raised serious questions about the team’s structure and future direction.
Individual Brilliance Abroad
Amid the collective struggles, individual players shone brightly on the global stage.
- Mohammed Kudus enjoyed a stellar debut season with West Ham in the English Premier League. His breathtaking solo goal against Freiburg and a stunning overhead kick against Manchester City cemented his reputation as a clutch performer, earning him a spot in the Africa XI.
- Joseph Paintsil had a dream season in Major League Soccer, leading LA Galaxy to the MLS title. His prolific goal-scoring and fan-favorite status underscored the competitiveness of the league and his individual talent.
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku also earned an honorable mention for his impressive contribution to Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League. In his debut season, Issahaku’s performances were so impactful that fans even created a chant in his honor. Leicester City made his move permanent in the summer of 2024, recognizing the exciting prospect they had within their ranks.
Infrastructure and Leadership Challenges
Ghana faced significant setbacks in football infrastructure and governance in 2024.
The Black Stars were banned by CAF from using the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in September. As the country’s only approved facility for international matches, its suspension highlighted a broader issue of inadequate facilities. CAF’s decision was due to Ghana’s failure to meet required standards, including substandard playing surfaces, poor-quality washrooms, and inadequate PA systems.
Although the National Sports Authority managed to address these issues on short notice, the incident has sparked questions about the nation’s maintenance culture for sporting facilities.
Off the pitch, calls for leadership changes in Ghanaian football grew louder. Many stakeholders and fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the “Kurt Okraku” administration. The frequent reshuffling of coaches and the continued decline of the Black Stars have only amplified demands for a new direction in governance.
A Year to Reflect and Rebuild
As 2024 ends, Ghanaian football finds itself at a crossroads. While domestic and individual successes provide reasons for optimism, the national team’s struggles demand introspection and bold reforms. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the right leadership and vision, the narrative can be rewritten.
