Ghana’s struggles in 2024 have culminated in another setback, as the Black Stars fell four spots in November’s FIFA rankings, dropping to 77th globally. This decline follows their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a low point in an already challenging year.
Previously ranked 73rd worldwide and 14th in Africa in October, the Black Stars have been on a downward trajectory. Their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign ended with a dismal record: three draws, three losses, and no victories.
In November, Ghana managed a 1-1 draw with Angola in their penultimate qualifier but suffered a crushing 2-1 home defeat to Niger in their final game. This loss left Ghana at the bottom of Group F and sealed their fate outside of AFCON 2025.
Despite their poor global performance, Ghana maintained their 14th position in Africa, trailing behind heavyweights like Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt. Other African teams ahead of the Black Stars include Algeria, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde.
Interestingly, Niger, one of Ghana’s Group F opponents, achieved significant progress in November. The Mena climbed nine spots in the rankings, from 131st to 122nd, marking them as the highest climbers of the month.
Ghana’s slide in rankings isn’t surprising given their underperformance throughout 2024. The Black Stars peaked at 67th in February but have since experienced steady declines: 68th in April, 64th in June, 68th in July, 70th in September, 73rd in October, and now 77th in November.
This latest ranking underscores the urgent need for a rebuild as Ghana looks to reclaim its place among Africa’s elite footballing nations.
