Following Ghana’s unimpressive display at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Ivory Coast, the nation’s FIFA ranking has taken a significant hit, plunging the Black Stars six spots to 67th globally and three places to 14th in Africa.
The downfall comes as a stark contrast to Ghana’s pre-tournament standing of 11th in Africa. However, their premature elimination from the group stage saw them overtaken by Cape Verde, South Africa, and Congo DR, all of whom progressed to the knockout stages, with Cape Verde bowing out in the quarter-finals while South Africa and Congo DR claimed third and fourth positions respectively.
The decline of the senior national team, once ranked second in Africa eight years ago, has stirred unrest among Ghanaian football enthusiasts. Hundreds of fans have taken to the streets in protest, demanding comprehensive reforms within the system.
The recent setback underscores Ghana’s struggles in recent competitions, casting doubts on the team’s trajectory. The failure to meet expectations at the AFCON has prompted introspection on the future of Ghanaian football.