Black Stars winger, Joseph Painstil, has weighed in on the team’s recent struggles.

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, finishing bottom of their qualifying group behind Angola, Sudan and Niger.

The disgraceful feat meant Ghana misses out of the continental showpiece for the first time in 21 years. 

Painstil, in an exclusive interview with Joy Sports, opened up on the subject, and says the playing body are still heartbroken by the poor results. 

“We are humans and we know how Ghanaians feel. We are also Ghanaians,” he said.

“The disappointment is a lot, especially when you think about how good Black Stars used to be in the days of Asamoah Gyan, Essien and Muntari. But things are different now. 

“There are a lot of countries who have really improved. Almost every country has established players playing in Europe. There are no small teams now, so it’s difficult. We are really working hard but the results are just not coming. 

“It’s like having the qualifications and applying for a job. You may be unsuccessful for a while but you’ll eventually get the job. It’s very sad for us when we go out and give our best but always fail. It hurts,” he added.

Ghana will be in action for the first time in 2025, in the World Cup qualifiers in March, hoping to turnaround their fortunes.