**The Black Stars of Ghana: Africa’s Heroes of the 1960s**

**Ghana’s Football Dominance in the 1960s ⚽**

The 1960s marked the rise of the Black Stars as one of Africa’s football giants. In 1963, Ghana made its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut in spectacular fashion, hosting the tournament and claiming their first title by defeating Sudan in the final. It was a moment that put Ghana on the football map, and the team’s dominance was only just beginning.

Just two years later, in 1965, Ghana lifted the AFCON trophy again in Tunisia, this time with a largely new squad. With only two players returning from their 1963 championship team, the Black Stars once again demonstrated their incredible depth and talent, matching Egypt’s record as two-time champions.

That same year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) introduced a new rule limiting teams to only two overseas-based players, a regulation that lasted until 1982. This rule added a unique dynamic to the tournament, as teams had to rely heavily on homegrown talent.

The 1968 AFCON marked another milestone with the expansion of the final tournament to eight teams. The format introduced group stages, with the top teams advancing to the semi-finals—a structure that remained in place until 1992. In that year, the Democratic Republic of Congo (then known as Congo-Kinshasa) won their first title, defeating Ghana in the final, breaking the Black Stars’ streak of consecutive finals appearances.

Though Ghana couldn’t clinch the title, their presence in four straight AFCON finals, from 1963 to 1970, was an achievement that solidified their status as African football royalty. The 1970 tournament also saw a major advancement with television coverage, bringing the drama of the beautiful game to more fans across the continent.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s Laurent Pokou emerged as one of the tournament’s greatest scorers, netting 14 goals across the 1968 and 1970 editions—a record that stood until 2008.

Ghana’s run in the 1960s was a golden era for African football, with the Black Stars leading the charge, inspiring nations across the continent, and cementing their legacy as one of Africa’s most celebrated teams.

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Via:Ibrahimnews.com