Ghana have lost their opening two matches in Group C, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouake before throwing away a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The results have left the Black Stars bottom of the group without a point, while Ivory Coast and The Gambia have both collected six points from their opening fixtures.
Assessing Ghana’s chances of qualifying, Kingston told 3Sports that the team faces an uphill battle to reach the tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
“Looking at the situation now, it will be a miracle for us to qualify,” he said.
“Two teams have six points. It means Ghana will have to win all games. For me, it will be very difficult and it will take a miracle to turn things around.”
Kingston was even more emphatic about the Black Stars’ prospects, adding: “Let's forget about trying to qualify for AFCON.”
Ghana are seeking to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, their first absence from the competition since 2004.
Kingston reveals no contact from search committee
The former midfielder also revealed that he had not been contacted by the committee tasked with finding a replacement for Carlos Queiroz, despite being linked with the vacant Black Stars coaching position.
“I have not been contacted by the search committee,” Kingston said.
Kingston's recent success with Uganda's U17 team has strengthened his coaching credentials. He guided the Uganda Cubs to the CECAFA U17 Championship title and helped the team secure qualification for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite his contract with Uganda running until 2027, discussions are ongoing over a possible renewal as the country's football authorities look to retain his services.
The former Ghana international also stressed that the next Black Stars appointment should focus on the long-term development of the national team, including improving the country's youth sides.
“We need coaches who will also improve the youth teams,” he added.
In the meantime, Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, alongside Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, will lead the Black Stars' interim technical team for their November double-header against Somalia.
Ghana will need maximum points from those matches to revive their qualification hopes, while the search for a permanent head coach continues.
