For the first time in 20 years, the senior national team will miss out on Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.

Ghana ended their qualification campaign at the bottom of Group F with just three points, managing three draws and three losses in six matches.

This poor showing has sparked widespread criticism, with many fans demanding the overhaul of the technical team led by Otto Addo.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Waris, who previously played a key role for the Black Stars, lamented the team’s dismal performance.

“For a player who has played the national team and knows what it means for the whole of the country to qualify for the AFCON, it is a shame to all of us and I believe something must be done about it,” he said.

He further noted that the full impact of Ghana’s absence will be felt when other nations arrive for the tournament and the celebratory atmosphere unfolds.

“Everyone is hurt but we will not feel it that much now but rather when the countries are arriving for the tournament and with the joy that comes with it, that is when we will feel the pain more for not qualifying.

“We are all not happy with what has happened but we have to look at how we can qualify for the next edition of the AFCON,” he added.

The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco next year.

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The former FC Porto striker is an alumnus of the University having joined them on an elite sports scholarship after leaving the Right To Dream Academy in Ghana.

The player then signed a professional contract with BK Hacken in Sweden.

The FC Strasbourg forward after receiving the degree said: “I’m honoured to receive the sports honorary degree from Hartpury college (UK) yesterday.

“Want to say a big thanks to Right To Dream Academy and Hartpury College for their continuous support and also to my family, friends and teammates.”

Waris has a special place in Hartpury College’s history with a special ‘success story’ profile on their website.

He became their first-ever student to feature at a World Cup when he came on for the Black Stars against Portugal in 2014.

Hartpury Director of Football, Tom Radcliffe, said at the time that “it was absolutely fantastic to see a Hartpury student perform on the biggest stage in football and we are all so proud of him. He was exemplary during his time here, showing the hard work and determination that he shows in every match, so this was extremely well deserved.

“This just goes to show the strength of our programme here and I’m confident that Waris will have a big role to play for Ghana in many World Cups and major competitions to come.”