The sun hung low over Kotoka International Airport as Winfried Schäfer, the seasoned German tactician, stepped onto Ghanaian soil. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Black Stars—a team desperate to reclaim its lost glory.

Awaiting him at the terminal was assistant coach Desmond Ofei, a welcoming smile on his face. Schäfer, known for leading Cameroon to AFCON triumph in 2002, carried the weight of expectation as he shook hands with the young coach. His appointment as technical advisor was no ordinary move; it was a calculated effort by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to steady a ship rocked by recent setbacks.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 had left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Otto Addo had tried, but the Black Stars fell short. Now, with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, Schäfer’s experience was seen as the missing piece in Ghana’s puzzle.

But he wouldn’t be working alone. In the coming days, psychologist Kris Perquy and video analyst Gregory De Grauwe would join the team, ensuring a well-rounded approach to Ghana’s resurgence. More than an advisor, Schäfer was set to take on the role of technical director, shaping the future of Ghanaian football beyond just the qualifiers.

As he drove away from the airport, Schäfer knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. But with the pride of a football-loving nation resting on his shoulders, he was ready for the challenge. The mission was clear—steer the Black Stars back to the grandest stage of them all: the FIFA World Cup.