It was in Kigali about two decades ago. Ghana's Black Stars had failed to shine, completely overshadowed by the black in the stars. In Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and many other parts of the country, there was a national mourning as the pride of this West African nation missed out on the final list of countries heading to Tunisia for the continental football festival, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Africa's football royalty lost its pride, but responded with emphatic qualification to the World Cup in Germany. It also included a return to the AFCON in Egypt two years later.

It was a period to savour for every Kwame Nkrumah descendant who adores this national team he deliberately built to become the target of envy. A host and win AFCON mantra did not materialise in 2008, but two years later, the boys finished second on this stage and booked a quarterfinal ticket in the FIFA World Cup when the tournament was hosted in Africa for the first time.

The global prominence of this group skyrocketed as they swept even neutrals off their feet to the admiration of millions of football aficionados.

From 2008 to 2017, Ghana made the semi-final of every single AFCON, but its fortune in this competition has dwindled so much so that qualifying to an even expanded tournament is a difficult ask.

Simply put, 20 years on since that infamous outing in Kigali, there was another, but this time around, in Luanda, 3,021 km away.

However, the tears were shed in the cities that cried about years ago.

It's unbelievable reality.

For the first time in two decades, Ghana’s Black Stars will not feature at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 1-1 draw against Angola in their penultimate Group F qualifying match sealed their fate, leaving Ghanaians in disbelief and head coach Otto Addo under immense scrutiny.

The nation’s pride in football has taken a severe blow. Since missing out on the 2004 AFCON, Ghana had become a consistent presence, often touted as one of the continent’s heavyweights. This failure represents not just a setback but an unwanted chapter in the country’s football history, one that calls for deep introspection and systemic changes.

A legacy tarnished

Otto Addo, who took charge after Ghana’s poor showing at the 2022 World Cup, now finds himself at the centre of criticism. Addo’s tactical decisions and player selections have been questioned, especially his reliance on a 3-4-3 formation that left the team vulnerable defensively. This latest failure will undoubtedly define his tenure and raise doubts about his suitability to lead Ghana forward.

With only three points from five matches – the result of three draws and two losses – the Black Stars’ lacklustre campaign stands in stark contrast to the expectations of fans. The team’s struggles to convert opportunities, maintain defensive solidity, and adapt tactically were glaring issues throughout the qualifiers.

Five key takeaways from Ghana’s draw against Angola

1. Home-based players deserve more opportunities

Razak Simpson, the Nation FC defender, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing performance. Called up due to injuries to key players, Simpson showed composure and tenacity in defence. His display highlights the need for more opportunities for locally-based players, who often lack representation in the national team.

However, Simpson’s efforts were undermined by a flawed three-back system. With two centre-backs who are naturally full-backs playing alongside him, Ghana’s defence was frequently exposed, showcasing the limitations of Addo’s tactical setup. It was a proper audition and stake of claim for his colleagues in the Ghana League.

2. Goalkeeper gamble paid off

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, starting ahead of first-choice Lawrence Ati Zigi, delivered an exceptional performance. His penalty save in the first half was pivotal, and he made crucial one-on-one saves in the second half to keep Ghana in contention. Nurudeen’s heroics were a rare positive in a campaign marred by inconsistency.

3. Weak defensive shape

Otto Addo’s 3-4-3 formation proved ineffective, particularly against Angola’s wingers Mendes João and Sebastião Luvumbo. Full-backs Gideon Mensah and Alidu Seidu struggled to cope with Angola’s pace and width, leaving gaps that were ruthlessly exploited. The wing-backs failed to provide adequate defensive cover, exposing the centre-backs and contributing to Ghana’s disjointed defensive display.

4. Poor game management

Jordan Ayew’s brilliant strike gave Ghana the lead, but the team’s inability to control the game thereafter proved costly. Poor decision-making, misplaced passes, and a lack of composure allowed Angola to dominate possession and eventually find an equaliser. This recurring issue of failing to protect a lead has plagued the Black Stars in recent years and must be addressed.

5. Tactical inefficiency

Addo’s reluctance to adjust his tactics in response to Angola’s attacking threats was evident. While Angola made five changes to exploit Ghana’s weaknesses, the Black Stars appeared stuck in a rigid system that offered little flexibility. This lack of tactical dynamism ultimately cost Ghana a crucial victory.

• A time for reflection

The failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 is a wake-up call for Ghanaian football. The days of relying on past glories are long gone; it’s time for a comprehensive overhaul of the team’s structure, tactics, and player development pathways.

For Otto Addo, the pressure will only intensify as fans and stakeholders demand answers. Whether he remains at the helm or not, the Black Stars must find a way to rebuild and restore their reputation on the African stage.

As Ghana grapples with this historic failure, one thing is clear: the nation’s footballing future depends on learning from this disappointment and making the necessary changes to avoid a repeat of this dark chapter.