Not qualifying for the AFCON 2025 will always hang around our necks - Asante Twum

Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has acknowledged the weight of responsibility following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This marks the first time in two decades that Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, will miss the continental tournament, having finished last in Group F with only three points from three draws and three defeats.

Asante Twum described the failure as a burden that will haunt the current GFA leadership. "It's not been easy, especially when history will not forgive you," he told JoySports.

"In 2004, when we didn’t qualify for AFCON, it became a lasting reference point. Twenty years later, we fail again, and it’s during a time when some of us are at the helm of affairs."

He admitted the gravity of the situation, calling it a tough reality to accept.

"Not qualifying for the AFCON will always hang around our necks, which is a difficult thing to take at this time," he stated.

However, Asante Twum urged resilience, emphasizing the need to focus on rebuilding and drawing lessons from the setback.

"We are a powerful football nation. There are difficulties around this time, but we must sieve through and pick the positives," he added.

The Black Stars now turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, resuming in March 2025 with matches against Chad and Madagascar.