Ghana Football in 2025: Turmoil and Timely Redemption
Ghana football endured a roller-coaster year in 2025, one defined by historic domestic success, international disappointment, and eventual redemption on the world stage.
From Bibiani Gold Stars’ maiden league title to the Black Stars’ return to the FIFA World Cup, the year delivered drama, debate and renewed hope.
GoldStars Made History in the Ghana Premier League
The standout domestic story of the year was Bibiani Gold Stars’ first-ever Ghana Premier League title.
GoldStars wrapped up the 2024–25 season in emphatic fashion, dismantling Accra Lions 4–0 on the final matchday in June to crown a remarkable campaign. Their triumph secured a historic place in the CAF Champions League for the first time.
Though their run in the Champions League was disappointing, it was a crucial step for the club to test their mettle on the African stage. They suffered a humbling 7-0 defeat on aggregate to Algeria’s JS Kabylie in the preliminary round of the Champions League.
The 2024/25 Premier League season produced 543 goals in 306 matches, underlining its competitiveness. Stephen Amankona who featured for Berekum Chelsea finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, while Nsoatreman FC, Legon Cities and Accra Lions were relegated.
Gold Stars have entered the 2025–26 season determined to defend their crown and confirm their rise among Ghana’s elite, sitting in third place after the first round of games in the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko Claim FA Cup Glory
While missing out on the league title, Asante Kotoko SC ended the campaign on a high by lifting the 2024–25 MTN FA Cup.
A narrow 2–1 victory over Division One outfit, Golden Kicks in the final handed the Porcupine Warriors their 10th FA Cup title and secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
However, they could not make it to the group stage in the Confederation Cup. They eliminated Nigerian club Kwara United 5-3 on aggregate in the first qualifying round before suffering a thumping defeat to Moroccan giants 6-1 on aggregate including the 1-0 loss in the first leg at home.
AFCON Absence Shocks the Nation
Internationally, the year began with a major low point. The Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing bottom of their qualifying group which contained Angola, Sudan, Niger, and Ghana.
It marked Ghana’s first AFCON absence in over 20 years since missing in 2004 and sparked intense scrutiny of the national team’s direction, squad depth and technical leadership.
The Black Stars are missing in action as Africa has gathered in Morocco for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations which started on December 21, and will run until January 18.
Black Stars Bounce Back With World Cup Qualification
Months later, Ghana delivered a much-needed response.
The Black Stars sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, edging Comoros 1–0 at the Accra Sports Stadium thanks to a decisive Mohammed Kudus strike. Ghana topped their qualifying group with 25 points, confirming a fifth World Cup appearance.
The achievement restored national pride and re-established Ghana as a force on the global stage.
Black Queens Return to WAFCON
Ghana’s Black Queens returned to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and showed themselves approved.
They finished third in a tournament that has been heavily dominated by the Super Falcons of Nigeria who claimed their tenth title.
The team secured qualification to the 2026 WAFCON which will be once again hosted by Morocco after beating Egypt in the qualifiers.
Key Players Step Up
Several players stood out across club and international football. Mohammed Kudus switched clubs, swapping the claret of West Ham United for the white of Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
Thomas Partey, later crowned Ghana Footballer of the Year, left Arsenal at the expiration of his contract and joined Villarreal on a free transfer.
On the last day of the year, Andre Ayew secured a move to Dutch side NAC Breda. The Black Stars captain had been without a club since leaving Le Havre at the end of last season.
Looking Ahead
While 2025 exposed weaknesses, it also highlighted Ghana football’s resilience.
With domestic clubs breaking new ground and the Black Stars back on course for the World Cup, the year ultimately ended on a hopeful note. The challenge now is consistency — turning redemption into sustained success in 2026.