Veteran football coach J.E. Sarpong has criticized the Black Stars of Ghana, comparing them to a division two club following their disappointing performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

For the first time in 20 years, Ghana failed to secure a spot in the tournament, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from a possible 18.

Under Coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars have endured a series of historic low points.

Ghana lost a game at Baba Yara Stadium for the first time in 24 years, missed AFCON qualification after two decades, and failed to win a single group-phase match in the qualifiers.

Additionally, Ghana failed to secure a home victory in an AFCON qualifier for the first time in history, suffered a shock loss to Niger on home soil, and finished last in their group for the first time.

Speaking on Accra FM’s Accra Sports Show hosted by Paa Kwesi, Coach Sarpong did not hold back in his critique.

He commended local player Razak Simpson for displaying passion and commitment but expressed disappointment in the overall team’s performance.

“I would mention Razak Simpson as the player who showed the spirit of ‘die for your nation,’ just like our time when the likes of Armah Senegal, Kwesi Appiah, and Kofi Ampiah played with pride and urgency.

But now, the Black Stars are like any ordinary Division Two club, playing with no sense of urgency,” he said.