Otto Addo blames Ghana's AFCON heartbreak on inability to win home games

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has expressed that the Black Stars' inability to secure victories in their home games has ultimately cost them a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Ghana’s hopes were dashed following a 1-1 draw against Angola in their penultimate qualifier at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, leaving them with no chance of qualifying for the prestigious continental tournament.

Before the game, Ghana needed a win against Angola and also required a victory in their final match against Niger, especially after Sudan's 4-0 loss to Niger handed them a lifeline.

Speaking after the match, Addo acknowledged that the team’s failure to capitalize on home advantage was a significant blow to their campaign.

“In general, we have to look at all the games we played, especially our home games,” Addo stated. “We lost to Angola, where we were better. In these tournaments, you have to win your home games; very, very important.

And if you don’t win, it is always difficult to play away and try to win because every nation is strong at home,” he added.

Ghana has failed to win both their home fixtures in the qualifiers—one loss and one draw—which contributed heavily to their failure to progress. After five games, they sit 4th in Group F with just two points.

With no chance of qualification, Ghana's final match against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium now holds no bearing on their hopes.

This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations.