Ghana football icon Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ has expressed concern over the current state of the sport in the country, following the Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars finished last in Group F, accumulating only three points, marking a significant setback for a team that has long been a major contender in African football.
Reflecting on this loss, Pele, a three-time African Footballer of the Year and part of the victorious 1982 AFCON squad, called for a major overhaul in the way Ghana approaches football.
In an interview with Panafricafootball, Pele emphasized the importance of focusing on rebuilding the sport from the ground up. “Times have changed, and we’ve seen a shift over the past three decades. We need to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the future,” he stated.
He further highlighted that a successful football nation requires discipline, structure, and determination. “Great football teams are built on hard work and organization. We must ensure that the necessary systems are in place to deliver results,” Pele added.
Pele also noted that football has the potential to unite the nation. “Football plays a vital role in bringing people together. It’s a powerful tool for national unity,” he said.
With Ghanaian football at a critical juncture, Pele’s message serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and rebuild the sport to restore its former glory.
