Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced serious concerns about the state of Ghanaian football, warning that the sport could face significant difficulties if the national team fails to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, has had a tough start to their qualification campaign, remaining winless after three matches.

The team suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Angola at Baba Yara Stadium and followed it up with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Niger.

Most recently, the Black Stars were held to a goalless draw at home against Sudan in the first leg of their doubleheader at the Accra Sports Stadium. With just two points from three games, they currently sit third in their group.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Agyemang-Badu, who was part of the squad that reached the 2015 AFCON final, expressed his worry about the team’s struggles and the potential fallout.

“If we fail to qualify, it will be a huge setback for Ghana football. For years, Ghanaians have focused on how to win the AFCON, but now we are struggling to even qualify. It’s a concerning trend,” Agyemang-Badu remarked.

He further added, “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that because if it does, it could signal a bleak future for our football.”

Ghana will have another chance to improve their standings in the qualification race when they face Sudan later today in the return leg at the Martyrs of February Stadium, with kickoff set for 13:00 GMT.