Former Ghana international Michael Essien has described the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a major disappointment, urging the team to move forward ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana endured a challenging qualifying campaign, registering three defeats and three draws in six matches, finishing bottom of their group and missing out on the continental showpiece in Morocco for the first time in over two decades.
Reflecting on the setback, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder admitted the outcome fell short of expectations.
“Of course it was a big disappointment, [but] in football, you have to move on from that,” Essien told FIFA.com.
“The good thing in football is you always have the next game to make things right,” he added.
Despite the AFCON disappointment, the Black Stars have responded positively by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, marking their fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage.
Drawn in the challenging Group L, Ghana will face England, Croatia, and Panama. Otto Addo’s side will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23, and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
