Ghana falter, Nigeria stumble, Senegal soar – How West African teams fared in the AFCON qualifiers

When the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco next year, one of the competition’s most iconic nations — Ghana — will be conspicuously absent.

The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, suffered a shocking collapse in the qualifiers, finishing bottom of Group F behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger.

Ghana failed to secure a single win, managing just three draws while losing three games, collecting a dismal three points — 11 fewer than group winners Angola.

It is a devastating blow for a nation that, despite not lifting the AFCON since 1982, has always been considered a contender thanks to talents like Mohamed Kudus.

However, their failure to even make it to Morocco signals a crisis for Ghanaian football.

Ghana’s embarrassment is a significant chapter in the story of West African teams’ struggles during this qualifying campaign. Yet, they were not alone in their disappointment.

More West African Woes

Gambia managed an impressive 1-0 away victory in Tunisia on the final day of Group A action, but it was insufficient to secure qualification.

Similarly, Cape Verde, a rising force in African football, saw their recent progress stunted as they fell short in Group C.

The Blue Sharks, who had previously qualified for four of the last six AFCON tournaments and twice reached the quarterfinals, were edged out by Egypt and Botswana.

Mauritania, another West African hopeful, finished bottom of the group with just four points.

In Group D, both Nigeria and Benin secured qualification, with Nigeria topping the table.

However, the Super Eagles’ final outing — a shock 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda — raised serious questions about their form.

The three-time AFCON champions, runners-up in the 2023 edition earlier this year, remain one of the favourites heading into Morocco 2025.

Yet their inconsistent displays suggest they need significant improvement to compete with the continent’s elite.

Elsewhere, Togo, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone also failed to book their places at AFCON 2025.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, holds a slim hope of qualification, needing a commanding victory over Mozambique in their final group fixture.

Bright Spots Amid the Gloom

Not all was doom and gloom for West Africa during the qualifiers.

Nigeria, Mali and former African champions Senegal both topped their groups with commanding performances to confirm their participation in Morocco.

In addition to Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal, West Africa will be represented by Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

With eight of the 24 teams in Morocco hailing from West Africa, the region will boast the largest contingent at the tournament.

West Africa’s historical dominance in the competition will be tested once again.

The region has claimed four of the last six AFCON titles, and Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph on home soil earlier this year extended their total to 11, matching North Africa’s tally.

As the battle lines are drawn for Morocco 2025, the question remains: can West Africa maintain its supremacy, or will the tides shift to another region?