We were unlucky not to win AFCON 2008 - Michael Essien

Former Ghanaian international Michael Essien expressed his belief that the Black Stars were unfortunate not to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2008. In a recent interview, Essien reflected on the tournament, highlighting how the team’s talent and hard work nearly secured victory. Despite showcasing remarkable skill and determination throughout the competition, Ghana fell short in the finals against Egypt, which Essien described as a painful experience. He recalled that their strong performance leading up to the final had instilled confidence in the squad and its supporters.

Essien emphasized that while they had high hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil, various factors ultimately thwarted their ambitions. The midfielder acknowledged the intense pressure they faced during the tournament but insisted that their unity and commitment shone through. Looking back, he remains proud of his contributions to a generation of players who brought excitement to Ghanaian football. As he reminisces about this near-miss, Essien believes it serves as a reminder of what could have been for a team filled with potential and promise.