As Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign resumes, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON has left many fans frustrated, with head coach Otto Addo bearing the brunt of criticism.

Despite the disappointment, former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has called for unity. While he personally disagrees with the decision to retain Addo, he insists that the country must put differences aside and support the coach in the crucial upcoming qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

“We must support Otto Addo despite the AFCON setback,” Afriyie told Sporty FM. “We need the World Cup qualification, and unity is key.”

In a bid to strengthen the team, the GFA has bolstered the coaching setup. Veteran German coach Winfried Schaffer has been appointed as a technical advisor and football director, while U20 coach Desmond Offei steps up as an assistant coach, replacing Joseph Laumann. He will work alongside John Paintsil and Fatawu Dauda. The backroom staff also welcomes Kris Perquy as a psychologist and Gregory De Grauwe as a video analyst.

With a revamped technical team and the weight of a nation’s expectations, Otto Addo now faces his biggest test. Can he rally the Black Stars to redemption and guide Ghana to the 2026 World Cup? The journey begins now.