Following Ghana’s unexpected elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a monumental corruption scandal has erupted. Several Black Stars players are alleged to have bought their way into Otto Addo’s team.
The elimination of Ghana’s Black Stars from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came as a shock. By sharing the points with Angola on the fifth day of the qualifiers (1-1), the Ghanaian team saw their dream of taking part in the next edition of the tournament dashed. This setback was all the more resounding in that it ended a run of more than twenty years of continuous participation in the African Cup of Nations. But beyond the sporting failure, it was a corruption scandal that shrouded the Ghana Football Association.
Faced with Angola, who had already qualified, Ghana needed a win to keep their slim hopes of qualification alive. Jordan Ayew quickly showed the way by opening the scoring after 18ᵉ minutes. But despite their apparent dominance, the Black Stars were unable to extend their lead. Worse still, the Palancas Negras equalised in the 63ᵉ minute through Zini to seal the Ghanaians’ fate. This elimination marks a descent into hell for a nation that, not so long ago, was fighting for the top roles on the continent.
Corruption and favouritism among the Black Stars, a system plagued by corruption
No sooner had the elimination of the Black Stars been digested than another affair set social networks ablaze and sparked debate about Ghanaian football. According to revelations made by French investigative journalist Romain Molina on Monday evening after Ghana’s 1-2 home defeat by Niger, several players had to ‘pay to get into the national team’. Romain Molina did not stop there. He also pointed the finger at ego problems and internal political squabbles surrounding the national team. For him, Ghanaian football suffers not only from a lack of vision, but also from a toxic environment that compromises performances on the pitch. ‘Corruption (some players bought their way into the team!), ego and politics: it’s hardly surprising that the Ghana national team is a mess”, wrote the French investigative journalist.
These revelations quickly made the rounds on social networks, triggering a wave of indignation among fans. Many are demanding answers from the Ghana Football Association and a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of these allegations.
The Black Stars, a dynasty in peril
The history of the Black Stars is marked by memorable achievements. With four African championship titles to their name, Ghana remains one of the continent’s most successful nations. But this elimination symbolises a break with their glorious past. A lukewarm showing at the 2022 World Cup, followed by a premature elimination at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, had already revealed some flaws. But this failure to qualify for 2025 is the last straw.
If Ghana are to regain their place among the elite, they must undertake a complete overhaul of their footballing system. This means greater transparency in the selection process, better talent management and a merciless fight against corruption.
The Black Stars’ elimination is a bitter lesson, but it could also serve as a catalyst for a new beginning. It remains to be seen whether the leaders and players of Ghanaian football will learn from this resounding failure.
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