by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Hearts of Oak head coach and Ghanaian international, Kim Grant, has issued a stern warning against retaining Otto Addo as the Black Stars head coach. Following Ghana’s dismal failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades, Grant believes keeping Addo would only compound the team’s woes.
The Black Stars ended their AFCON qualification campaign at the bottom of Group F, failing to register a single victory. The team suffered defeats on home soil to Angola and Niger, sparking widespread criticism from fans and stakeholders.
Grant, taking to Facebook, did not mince words in his critique of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). “Coaches in the past were dismissed for far less, yet this current technical staff is being shielded by an inner circle, even after this disastrous AFCON qualification campaign,” he lamented.
He further warned that retaining Addo and his staff for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers would be “outrageous” and a recipe for further embarrassment. “It’s time to stop protecting mediocrity, banish egos, and demand accountability,” Grant urged, emphasizing the need for structural reform.
In his post, he criticized what he described as “square pegs in round holes” within the technical team, blaming them for wasting Ghana’s talent and failing to optimize the team’s potential.
The GFA Executive Council has reportedly convened to address the fallout from the failed qualification campaign, but fans and pundits alike are demanding swift and decisive action.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria Eyes CHAN Return After Two Editions in the Cold
The Nigerian CHAN Eagles have temporarily suspended their training camp as interim coach works to finalize the squad for their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana’s Black Galaxies.
The much-anticipated Jollof Derby, a two-legged clash, will be contested over the Christmas period. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner securing a place at the CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
For Nigeria, this is more than just a rivalry game—it’s redemption. The team has missed the last two CHAN tournaments, including a painful 2022 playoff elimination at the hands of Ghana. Determined to make a statement, the Eagles are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Victor Collins, one of the hopefuls vying for a spot in the final squad, revealed the current pause in activities while speaking to Brila.net.
“They have not announced the list; we are waiting for it. The next time we all assemble will be when the final list is out. So I’m in Nasarawa now,” said Collins.
The first leg of the derby will take place in Ghana between December 20 and 22, with the return leg set for a week later in Nigeria.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the aftermath of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, GHALCA Chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has reiterated his demand for the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to step down. Fianoo, a prominent figure in Ghanaian football, has criticized the GFA for their role in what he describes as a historic embarrassment for the Black Stars.
Ghana ended their AFCON qualifying campaign at the bottom of Group F, amassing just three points from six matches. The once-proud footballing nation failed to secure a single win, recording a 1-0 defeat to Angola, a 1-1 draw with Niger, and disappointing back-to-back results against Sudan. Angola comfortably topped the group with 14 points, followed by Sudan (8 points) and Niger (7 points), leaving Ghana as the only team without a victory.
Speaking to Peace FM, Fianoo doubled down on his earlier statements, highlighting systemic failures within the GFA.
“What I said before still stands. If we didn’t qualify, they should resign. I stand by that because no result could be worse than this. Back in 2004, when AFCON featured only 12 teams, we failed to qualify, and it was a disaster. Today, with 24 teams, failing again is unacceptable. It shows a lack of progress,” Fianoo remarked.
He pointed to a series of missteps by the GFA over the past five years, including frequent coaching changes and controversies surrounding captaincy appointments, as evidence of poor leadership.
“An association that has changed five coaches in five years and can’t handle something as basic as appointing a captain shouldn’t continue to lead. After this disgraceful campaign, the most honorable thing for the GFA to do is resign,” he asserted.
Fianoo’s remarks come amid widespread public outcry over the Black Stars’ decline, with many calling for sweeping reforms in Ghanaian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian football is at its lowest ebb, and the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) isn’t holding back. Following the Black Stars’ historic failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), SWAG has delivered a scathing indictment of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), demanding immediate and decisive action.
In a fiery statement that mirrors the frustration of millions of Ghanaians, SWAG has called on the GFA to hold underperforming officials accountable, urging leadership to “swing the axe” and implement sweeping reforms.
This unprecedented failure has left a deep scar on Ghana’s footballing identity. Once giants of African football, the Black Stars crumbled during the qualifiers, finishing last in Group F with only three points from six matches.
The campaign began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Angola, followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw against Niger. Successive losses to Sudan compounded the misery. Meanwhile, Angola’s stellar form secured them the group’s top spot with 14 points, while Sudan and Niger edged ahead, sealing Ghana’s absence from the continental tournament for the first time in two decades.
As the nation grapples with this heartbreak, pressure mounts on the GFA to take bold steps to rebuild the Black Stars and restore their once-proud legacy. The ball is now in the GFA’s court, and Ghanaians are watching closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Leicester City Star on the Path to Recovery After Angola Setback
Ghanaian international Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is on the road to recovery after undergoing successful surgery to treat an injury sustained during Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola.
The Leicester City winger was forced off the pitch in the first half of the intense match last Thursday, leaving fans concerned about his condition. His absence was felt in Ghana’s final Group F game against Niger, as he returned to England for medical evaluation and subsequent surgery.
In the aftermath of the Angola match, the Ghana Football Association provided an update on the situation, revealing that Issahaku and teammate Jordan Ayew both sustained injuries. While Ayew managed to complete the game, MRI scans revealed significant issues with his knee. Issahaku’s injury, however, necessitated an early substitution.
On Instagram, the 19-year-old winger reassured his supporters, confirming the success of his surgery and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
“All glory be to Almighty Allah. My surgery was successful, and I just want to tell you that I am okay. I want to thank everyone for your best wishes,” Issahaku shared.
Fans across the globe have rallied behind him, sending messages of encouragement as he begins his recovery journey. The talented winger’s swift return to action will undoubtedly boost Ghana’s ambitions in the AFCON tournament and Leicester City’s campaign in club competitions.
