by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Veteran football administrator Wilfred Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ has raised concerns over the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to retain Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Addo, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal with an optional two-year extension, has come under intense scrutiny after Ghana finished bottom of Group F in the AFCON qualifiers, failing to win a single match. The team managed only three draws and suffered three defeats in six games, leading to widespread calls for his dismissal.
However, the GFA’s Executive Council has opted to keep Addo in charge, focusing instead on strengthening the technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ strongly criticized the decision, expressing doubts about Addo’s ability to lead Ghana to the World Cup.
“I don’t have too much confidence in Otto Addo, and the decision to retain him is risky,” he said. “For the Black Stars to play AFCON qualifiers without a single win is unacceptable. There is no way he should have been retained.”
To reinforce the coaching setup, John Paintsil and Desmond Ofei have been appointed as first and second assistant coaches, respectively. Fatau Dauda remains the goalkeepers’ trainer, while experienced German tactician Winfried Schaffer, who led Cameroon to the 2002 AFCON title, has been named technical advisor and football director for both the Black Stars and the GFA.
Additionally, Kris Perquy has been brought in as the team’s psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as video analyst.
Ghana’s next challenge will be the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar set for next month.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Athletics, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has cast doubt on the credibility of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee’s investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the 13th African Games hosted in Ghana.
During an interview on JoyNews, Assafuah criticized the committee, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for what he described as a rushed and weak investigation. He specifically questioned the evidence presented, arguing that a sponsorship request to BOST was being misrepresented as proof of corruption.
“They are supposed to investigate corrupt practices, including the 13th African Games. I took my time to read what they meant by alleged corruption and only saw one document—a sponsorship request to BOST. How does that qualify as corruption?” he questioned.
The MP also warned that the committee could face multiple defamation lawsuits due to its findings.
The 13th African Games, held in March 2024, cost Ghana over $245 million, with $195 million allocated to infrastructure, $15 million to feeding athletes, and $48 million to operational costs. Allegations of mismanagement have fueled public debate, though the Local Organizing Committee has defended the expenditures.
The ORAL committee has since submitted its report to President John Dramani Mahama, who has forwarded it to the Attorney General for further action.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder recalls his time at Portsmouth and the legendary 2008 FA Cup triumph
Former Ghanaian international Sulley Muntari has spoken fondly about his time at Portsmouth under renowned English manager Harry Redknapp, describing the experience as a privilege.
Muntari joined Pompey from Udinese in 2007 for a reported £7.1 million, signing a five-year deal. The dynamic midfielder quickly became a key player, making a lasting impact on the team’s historic FA Cup-winning campaign.
One of his most memorable moments came in the sixth round of the FA Cup, where he scored the decisive penalty in a 1–0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. That crucial win paved the way for Portsmouth’s journey to the final, where they defeated Cardiff City to lift the trophy at Wembley.
Reflecting on Redknapp’s influence, Muntari told Sportsblog247.com:
“Everybody loved him. He gave us freedom on the pitch but also made it clear when we weren’t performing. He was experienced, calm, and had an amazing eye for talent.”
Redknapp’s recruitment strategy brought together an impressive squad, and Muntari was proud to be part of a team featuring top players like Sylvain Distin, Sol Campbell, Nwankwo Kanu, Lassana Diarra, Niko Kranjčar, and David James.
“He was not just a coach but also a businessman. He knew how to build a strong team,” Muntari added.
After just one season at Portsmouth, where he made 29 appearances and scored four goals, Muntari secured a move to Italian giants Inter Milan, continuing his successful career at the highest level.
His time at Fratton Park remains a special chapter in his football journey, highlighted by a historic FA Cup triumph and the guidance of a manager he still holds in high regard.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghanaian midfielder reflects on past experiences and offers advice to players
Former Ghana international Sulley Muntari has opened up about his painful experiences with racism in football, expressing hope that the issue will one day be eradicated from the sport.
Muntari, who played in top European leagues, notably faced racial abuse during his time in Italy’s Serie A with Pescara. One of the most distressing incidents occurred in a match against Cagliari, where, instead of receiving support from officials after reporting the abuse, he was shown a yellow card. Frustrated, he walked off the pitch in protest.
Reflecting on the challenges of tackling racism in football, the 40-year-old shared his perspective in an interview with Sportsblog247.com:
“They can’t deal with racism in Italy. It’s going to be like this for a long time unless they act in a very strict way. In England, you can be suspended or jailed for racism, but even with that, it still exists. It’s human nature; it’s how some people feel about us.”
Despite his difficult experiences, Muntari encouraged current players to stay focused on their careers:
“As a player, I think you don’t have to pay attention to it. If you’re playing football, you go on to do just that. If you’re working, you go on to do just that. Wherever you are, just focus on what you do and don’t let someone get to you. Sometimes, people bring their frustration to you.”
Now looking back with a different perspective, he admitted, “If I knew at that time, I would have handled things differently. I was young, so I would fight back. That being said, I’m hoping one day racism will stop.”
Muntari made history as the African player with the most Serie A appearances (270 games) until fellow Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah broke the record in 2021. He also represented Ghana in three consecutive World Cups—2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), and 2014 (Brazil).
Despite retiring from professional football, Muntari remains a voice for change, using his platform to highlight the ongoing fight against racism in the sport.
