Mali’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has downplayed concerns over Ghana’s recent struggles, stressing that the Black Stars remain a major force in African football.
Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in more than 20 years after finishing bottom of their qualifying group for the 2025 edition, which will be staged in Morocco later this year.
The setback has sparked widespread debate about the team’s decline, but Saintfiet believes such disappointments are part of the game.
“I still believe Ghana is a giant in African football. It is not because you missed out of the AFCON that you are not a big nation. It happens sometimes,” the Belgian coach told Adom TV.
The Black Stars, winners of four AFCON titles, are currently in transition under head coach Otto Addo.
With continental competition out of reach, the team’s focus has shifted to rebuilding and ensuring qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
