When the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco subsequent 12 months, one of many competitors’s most iconic nations — Ghana — will probably be conspicuously absent.

The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, suffered a stunning collapse within the qualifiers, ending backside of Group F behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger.

Ghana didn’t safe a single win, managing simply three attracts whereas shedding three video games, accumulating a dismal three factors — 11 fewer than group winners Angola.

It’s a devastating blow for a nation that, regardless of not lifting the AFCON since 1982, has all the time been thought-about a contender due to skills like Mohamed Kudus.

Nevertheless, their failure to even make it to Morocco alerts a disaster for Ghanaian soccer.

Ghana’s embarrassment is a big chapter within the story of West African groups’ struggles throughout this qualifying marketing campaign. But, they weren’t alone of their disappointment.

Extra West African Woes

Gambia managed a formidable 1-0 away victory in Tunisia on the ultimate day of Group A motion, but it surely was inadequate to safe qualification.

Equally, Cape Verde, a rising power in African soccer, noticed their current progress stunted as they fell brief in Group C.

The Blue Sharks, who had beforehand certified for 4 of the final six AFCON tournaments and twice reached the quarterfinals, have been edged out by Egypt and Botswana.

Mauritania, one other West African hopeful, completed backside of the group with simply 4 factors.

In Group D, each Nigeria and Benin secured qualification, with Nigeria topping the desk.

Nevertheless, the Tremendous Eagles’ remaining outing — a shock 2-1 dwelling defeat to Rwanda — raised severe questions on their type.

The three-time AFCON champions, runners-up within the 2023 version earlier this 12 months, stay one of many favourites heading into Morocco 2025.

But their inconsistent shows recommend they want important enchancment to compete with the continent’s elite.

Elsewhere, Togo, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone additionally didn’t e-book their locations at AFCON 2025.

Guinea-Bissau, in the meantime, holds a slim hope of qualification, needing a commanding victory over Mozambique of their remaining group fixture.

Brilliant Spots Amid the Gloom

Not all was doom and gloom for West Africa through the qualifiers.

Nigeria, Mali and former African champions Senegal each topped their teams with commanding performances to substantiate their participation in Morocco.

Along with Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal, West Africa will probably be represented by Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

With eight of the 24 groups in Morocco hailing from West Africa, the area will boast the most important contingent on the match.

West Africa’s historic dominance within the competitors will probably be examined as soon as once more.

The area has claimed 4 of the final six AFCON titles, and Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph on dwelling soil earlier this 12 months prolonged their complete to 11, matching North Africa’s tally.

Because the battle traces are drawn for Morocco 2025, the query stays: can West Africa preserve its supremacy, or will the tides shift to a different area?