US-based Ghanaian attacker, Joseph Paintsil has described the Black Stars' 2025 AFCON qualifiers failure as a very disappointing moment but is very optimistic they will do better in the remaining matches to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars failed to make it to the continent's next biggest football competition after finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches
The draw for the 2025 AFCON was held last Tuesday in Rabat and the four-time African champions will be missing out for the first time since 2004.
Paintsil who played just a game throughout the qualifiers has admitted they have disappointed Ghanaians and it hurts so much for not making it to the next AFCON but firmly he believes they will bounce back stronger
“We are humans and we know how Ghanaians feel. We are also Ghanaians,” he said on JoySports
“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.
Joseph Paintsil had a fantastic debut campaign last year with LA Galaxy where he netted 14 goals and provided 8 assists to help them emerge champions of the 2024 MLS Cup.
