by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is under fire after the Black Stars’ shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Former GFA Communications Director, Ibrahim Saanie Daara, has openly criticized the Executive Committee for their lack of proactive leadership during this crisis.
Speaking on Joy News, Saanie Daara expressed frustration following Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Niger in Accra, a result that cemented their place at the bottom of their qualifying group. With only three points and three goals in six matches, the Black Stars delivered one of their worst campaigns in recent memory.
“The silence from the Executive Committee during these trying times is deafening. They must also take responsibility and step up their game,” Saanie Daara stated.
The defeat has sparked widespread criticism of head coach Otto Addo and the GFA’s management, with many questioning their preparedness and strategic direction. However, Saanie Daara urged caution against sweeping changes that could undo recent progress.
“Radical changes might be necessary, but they must not destroy what has already been built. Fix what is broken, but don’t tear everything down,” he advised.
Saanie Daara highlighted the Black Stars’ past achievements, including their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as proof of a foundation that can be strengthened with improved planning and leadership.
In response to the mounting pressure, the GFA’s Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to deliberate on the team’s performance and outline a recovery plan for the nation’s football future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Otto Addo Laments Scheduling and Defensive Lapses in Black Stars’ AFCON Heartbreak
Under-pressure Ghana coach Otto Addo has expressed frustration over scheduling and defensive challenges following the Black Stars’ disappointing 2-1 loss to Niger. The defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday sealed Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving fans and players alike heartbroken.
The Black Stars faced a grueling schedule, playing twice in just four days. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda, they returned home for the must-win clash against Niger. In contrast, their opponents had a one-day advantage, coming off a 4-0 win over Sudan in Togo, which also meant less travel stress.
Speaking candidly after the game, Addo highlighted the scheduling as a significant factor in the team’s performance. “We had one day less than Niger. In Europe, this would never happen. CAF has to address this; the last two games must be on the same day. One day is a lot in these circumstances,” he lamented.
The coach also acknowledged defensive lapses, particularly from set-pieces, as the Achilles’ heel in the loss. Despite meticulous preparation, the Black Stars struggled to contain Niger’s threats, conceding both goals from unmarked players during set-piece situations.
“We were aware of their possibilities – counter-attacks and set-pieces – but we didn’t defend them well. The players have never played together, and it was difficult for them to organize,” Addo admitted.
Despite the defensive frailties, Addo praised his team’s determination after shifting to a back-four formation. Ghana came agonizingly close to equalizing, hitting the post and creating several late chances. “At the very end, we had the chance to at least draw, but today wasn’t our day,” he said.
Addressing the discontent among fans, Addo appealed for patience, emphasizing the psychological impact of criticism on players. “I would like everyone to stay peaceful and not attack the players. In certain situations, it goes into the head,” he pleaded.
While the campaign ended in disappointment, Addo expressed optimism about the future, singling out promising new players as a beacon of hope. “There is potential in some of these young players, and I believe we can rebuild,” he concluded.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
A Tough Journey from Brazil to AFCON Heartbreak
Otto Addo, the embattled coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, has found himself at the center of intense criticism following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Black Stars ended their qualification campaign without a single win, finishing at the bottom of their group—a performance that has prompted widespread calls for Addo to step down.
During a heated post-match press conference after the team’s 2-0 defeat to Niger on Monday, Addo staunchly defended his credentials, pointing to his years of experience in football, including his contribution to Ghana’s campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
“I went to Brazil with the team in 2014 because Kwasi Appiah valued my work,” Addo recalled. “I was tasked with scouting not only Germany but also other opponents during the tournament.”
Addo reminisced about Ghana’s spirited 2-2 draw against eventual World Cup winners Germany, a performance that stood out in an otherwise challenging tournament marred by internal team conflicts. He highlighted the standout contributions of players like André Ayew and Asamoah Gyan in that game, noting that Ghana was the only team to avoid defeat against Germany during the tournament.
“There were a lot of problems within the team,” Addo admitted. “2014 was difficult, but the game against Germany was special. That performance showed the potential and resilience of Ghanaian football.”
After the World Cup, Addo transitioned to club football, honing his craft at Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund. Over the past 12 years, he has built a reputation for developing young talent and taking on leadership roles.
Despite his extensive experience, Addo’s tenure as Ghana’s head coach has been rocky. His appointment was seen as a rebuilding effort, but the recent AFCON failure has cast a shadow over his legacy.
As pressure mounts, Addo’s story is one of a football professional trying to navigate the highs and lows of a demanding career while striving to restore pride to one of Africa’s most storied football teams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, interim coach Austin Eguavoen voiced his concern about the Super Eagles’ lack of creativity, emphasizing the urgent need for a playmaker to enhance the team’s attacking output. Alex Iwobi of Fulham and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio, who currently occupy the attacking midfield roles, have come under scrutiny for their lack of goal contributions throughout the qualification campaign, registering just one goal between them.
Despite boasting some of Africa’s finest forward talent, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, Nigeria’s striking force struggled to find the back of the net, a trend that has continued in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles managed just nine goals, with half of them coming in the opening match against Benin, and three of those gifted by the Confederation of African Football. With a lack of creativity from the midfield, the forwards have been unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Eguavoen’s frustration was evident in his post-match comments, where he pointed to the team’s inability to create clear chances for their star forwards. “Goals win games, we all know that. They are scoring goals in their clubs, they are scoring goals in training, but when it comes to the game, they don’t score. We keep asking the same questions,” Eguavoen stated. He added, “There are players who can make a difference, who can put the ball into space for them to go to goal. We’re still looking for such players who have that flair and creativity.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars, four-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have left fans in shock and dismay after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition of the tournament. This marks the first time in 20 years that the West African giants will miss out on the continental showpiece, with their last absence dating back to 2004.
In a dismal qualifying campaign, the Black Stars finished bottom of Group F, managing only three points from six matches. They lost three games and drew the remaining three, failing to secure a single win. The final blow came in a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match played before a nearly empty crowd—a stark reflection of fans’ frustration.
The lackluster performances have triggered widespread outrage among Ghanaians, many of whom are calling for the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo. Critics argue that his tactics and leadership failed to inspire the team during the qualifiers.
With the AFCON dream now shattered, the Black Stars must refocus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2026. However, questions remain about whether the team can rebuild and regain the trust of their passionate fanbase.
