Ex-Deputy Sports Minister Highlights Leadership Issues as Key Factor in Ghana’s AFCON Woes

Former Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, has pointed to poor captaincy management as a major factor behind the Black Stars’ recent struggles, including their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in an interview with Happy FM, Oppong Asamoah expressed his frustration with how football authorities have handled the captaincy over the years, describing it as a long-standing issue that undermines the team’s progress.

“The captaincy situation has always been chaotic. Jordan [Ayew] was made captain for a while, then he wasn’t—just a mess. This is part of the reason why we failed at the AFCON,” he lamented.

He warned that even bringing in high-profile coaches would not solve the team’s problems unless leadership issues were addressed. “We can bring in [Enzo] Maresca or whoever, but if we don’t manage the captaincy properly, the players will continue to disappoint us,” Oppong Asamoah added.

The debate over captaincy has been a sensitive topic in Ghanaian football, often sparking internal conflicts and criticism from fans. With the Black Stars’ recent underperformance, many are calling for urgent reforms to ensure harmony and accountability within the team.

As Ghana faces mounting pressure to reclaim its footballing glory, Oppong Asamoah’s comments have reignited discussions on the need for strategic leadership to rebuild the team’s reputation on the international stage.