Ghana’s Black Stars are undergoing a major transformation after their disappointing failure to qualify for AFCON 2025. At the heart of this restructuring is Desmond Ofei, a coach whose journey has been years in the making.

Ofei, who recently led the Black Satellites to gold at the 13th African Games, has been named the first assistant coach of the senior national team, replacing Joseph Laumann. His appointment has been met with praise, especially from former GFA Executive Council member Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, who has long admired his coaching abilities.

“I have known Desmond Ofei for a long time, and I know he is good enough to be part of the Black Stars technical team,” Palmer shared on Sportsblog247.com. “I even wanted him to coach Tema Youth while he was in Belgium, but it couldn’t happen.”

Ofei will work alongside John Paintsil, who retains his role as the second assistant coach, and Fatau Dauda, who continues as the goalkeepers’ trainer. The technical team also boasts new faces, including German tactician Winfried Schäfer, a 2002 AFCON-winning coach with Cameroon, who has been appointed as the Black Stars’ technical advisor and football director for the GFA.

Additionally, Kris Perquy joins as the team’s psychologist, while Gregory De Grauwe takes up the role of video analyst. With these changes, the Black Stars are hoping to rebuild and reclaim their place among Africa’s footballing elite.