The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has voiced his anguish following the Black Stars’ 2-1 defeat to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The heartbreaking loss, which took place at the Accra Sports Stadium, dashed Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Ousseini Badamassi and Oumar Sako scored for Niger, while Black Satellites striker Jerry Afriyie netted the only goal for Ghana. In the dying moments of the game, Mohammed Kudus had an opportunity to salvage a draw through a penalty, but his effort was saved, cementing Ghana’s exit from the tournament.
Reacting to the outcome, Okraku expressed his deep disappointment in a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook. “From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds,” he wrote. He acknowledged that the current situation was far from what Ghanaians had envisioned, adding, “Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for. At this point, only cool heads can win.”
Okraku emphasized the need for unity and honest reflection among football stakeholders to address the challenges plaguing the national team. He attributed some of the difficulties to the aftermath of the "Number 12" exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which revealed systemic corruption in Ghana football.
“The road to full recovery after normalization is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win,” Okraku stated, expressing hope for a brighter future. “We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well,” he assured fans.
Since Okraku assumed office in October 2019, the Black Stars have struggled to meet expectations. The team’s recent performances have sparked frustration among fans, with some calling for significant changes in leadership and management.
The loss to Niger underscores the pressing need for reforms within Ghana’s football system. Okraku’s message reflects his determination to steer the GFA and the Black Stars towards recovery, but the path ahead remains uncertain.
Despite the setback, Okraku reaffirmed his commitment to the national team and urged fans to remain patient. “As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain,” he concluded.
The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Ghana football, highlighting the importance of structural changes to restore the glory of the Black Stars on the continental stage.
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