Mali’s head coach Tom Saintfiet has admitted he is stunned by Ghana’s absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the Black Stars as a team too strong to miss out on Africa’s flagship competition.
The four-time African champions failed to qualify for the tournament, which will be staged in Morocco later this year. After six qualification matches, Ghana could not record a single victory, finishing bottom of their group with only three points. The outcome marked a historic low point for the Black Stars, as it is the first time in over two decades that the country will not feature at the AFCON finals.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Mali’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, Saintfiet did not hide his disbelief.
“It will be a very tough task. I have huge respect for the Ghanaian team. I believe really that they have everything, and it’s shocking that they won’t play AFCON,” the Belgian coach remarked.
“A country like Ghana must become African champion in the near future with all this quality,” he added, stressing his admiration for the depth of talent available to the West Africans despite their recent struggles.
A Historic Low Point for Ghana
The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 has dominated headlines across the continent and triggered widespread debate within Ghana about the state of the national team. For many supporters, the disappointment of missing out on the competition in Morocco is compounded by memories of Ghana’s glorious past, which saw them lift the continental crown four times between 1963 and 1982, while consistently reaching the latter stages of the tournament in more recent decades.
Ghana’s decline in AFCON fortunes has been gradual. Since reaching the final in 2010 and 2015, the Black Stars have struggled to impose themselves on the competition. Early exits in 2019 and 2021 were followed by a shocking group-stage elimination in 2023, but the complete failure to qualify for 2025 represents an unprecedented crisis.
Former players and pundits have been outspoken about the situation. Some argue that administrative mismanagement and instability in the technical team have weakened the side, while others blame a lack of long-term planning and overreliance on individual talent rather than building a cohesive unit.
Saintfiet’s Perspective
For Tom Saintfiet, who has built a reputation as a tactically astute manager across Africa and beyond, Ghana’s struggles are difficult to comprehend. The 51-year-old Belgian has previously managed Gambia, Togo, and Namibia before taking over Mali, where he has overseen a resurgence of the Eagles.
Mali have grown in confidence under his leadership, boasting a squad filled with talented young players competing in Europe’s top leagues. Saintfiet views Ghana’s current difficulties not as a sign of decline in talent but as a reminder that even the biggest footballing nations can falter without stability.
His comments ahead of the clash underline both respect for Ghana’s pedigree and determination to seize the moment. “Ghana remain one of the strongest teams in Africa regardless of their AFCON result. We know the task ahead of us will not be easy, but Mali is ready,” he said.
The Stakes of the World Cup Qualifier
Sunday’s encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium goes beyond points in the World Cup qualifying campaign. It carries symbolic weight for both nations. For Ghana, it is about reclaiming pride and proving that the AFCON setback was a stumble rather than a collapse. For Mali, it is a chance to underline their credentials as one of Africa’s rising powers.
Kickoff is set for 19:00 GMT, with the stadium expected to be packed with passionate fans eager to rally behind the Black Stars despite their recent disappointments. The Ghana Football Association has called on supporters to show up in their numbers, insisting that home support could make the difference.
Otto Addo, Ghana’s head coach, has been tasked with steadying the ship after the AFCON debacle. His challenge is not only to win matches but also to restore the belief of fans who feel let down. Addo has acknowledged the pressure but insists that the World Cup remains a realistic goal. For him, victory against Mali could spark a turnaround in fortunes.
Fan Reactions and Public Mood
Reactions on social media and in the streets of Accra have reflected a mix of anger, disappointment, and cautious hope. Many fans expressed disbelief that Ghana, once a powerhouse of African football, failed to secure a single win in six AFCON qualifiers. Some supporters have called for a complete overhaul of the Ghana Football Association, while others have urged patience and faith in the rebuilding process.
“I grew up watching Ghana always at the AFCON, even when we didn’t win, we were feared. Now to miss out completely—it’s painful,” one Accra-based fan said in a radio phone-in.
Others echoed Saintfiet’s sentiments, pointing out that Ghana has too much talent to remain in the shadows for long. With players like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Jordan Ayew still in the fold, many believe the team can bounce back quickly if managed properly.
A Battle of Pride and Ambition
As the Black Stars prepare to take the pitch against Mali, the match represents more than just three points. It is a test of resilience, character, and ambition. Ghana must prove that their AFCON disaster will not define them, while Mali aim to show that they can compete with Africa’s traditional giants on equal footing.
Saintfiet’s respectful but pointed comments serve as both encouragement and a challenge to Ghana. While he believes the Black Stars must return to the top of African football, he also sees an opportunity for his Eagles to rise higher.
For fans in Accra and across the continent, Sunday’s clash promises passion, intensity, and high stakes. The outcome will not erase Ghana’s AFCON failure, but it could set the tone for their World Cup campaign and offer a glimpse of whether the Black Stars are ready to rise from the ashes.
As the whistle blows at 19:00 GMT, Ghana’s players will not just be fighting for qualification points—they will be battling to restore national pride.
