by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Stars faced yet another disappointing defeat in their final Group F match against Niger, losing 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The result marked the end of a forgettable AFCON 2024 qualifying campaign for Ghana, who finished bottom of their group with just three points from six matches.
In his post-match interview, Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, did not mince words, highlighting the team’s ongoing issues with set-piece defending. “We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece. We were aware because the last time we met, they scored from a corner. Surely, we have to defend these set pieces better,” he said, visibly frustrated with the recurring problem.
Addo admitted that the team’s defensive lapses on set pieces had been a significant factor throughout the qualifying campaign, contributing to Ghana’s failure to secure a spot in the tournament. “It seems everything is going against us,” he added, acknowledging the difficulties the team has faced in recent months.
However, the coach did find some positives in the performance, particularly from the debutants. “There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he said, hinting at a glimmer of hope for the future despite the team’s overall underperformance.
Ghana’s early exit from the qualifiers, finishing behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger, is a bitter pill for the nation’s footballing faithful, who had hoped for a stronger showing from their national team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
In 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, and with it, a footballing legacy was born. The Black Stars, once a beacon of pride, unity, and excellence, were the heart of Ghanaian identity. For decades, they stood as one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations, inspiring generations of fans and players alike. But now, that light has dimmed, and Ghana football stands on the brink of total collapse.
The fall from grace has been swift and brutal, spearheaded by an inept Ghana Football Association (GFA) under the leadership of Kurt Okraku. His tenure, which began in 2019, promised a new dawn for Ghanaian football but instead brought stagnation, chaos, and disastrous mismanagement. The hope that Ghana could return to its former glory has been crushed under the weight of corruption, poor decision-making, and a catastrophic lack of direction.
A clear indication of the decline was seen in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance. After a narrow loss in the 2015 final to Ivory Coast, Ghana’s football began its steep descent. The team’s performance in subsequent tournaments tells the story of a nation in freefall:
2017: Quarterfinal exit
2019: Round of 16 defeat
2021: Group-stage elimination, a historic low
2023: Failure to qualify for AFCON 2024
In a group consisting of Niger, Sudan, and Angola—teams far from Africa’s elite—Ghana managed only three goals in six qualifying matches, failing to win a single game. The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, are now watching from the sidelines, paralyzed by mediocrity.
At the heart of this collapse is Otto Addo, the coach who, despite his association with Jürgen Klopp, failed to inspire or improve the team. Under his leadership, Ghana’s tactical approach was uninspired, and the team lacked any clear sense of direction. Addo’s defense of his performance—blaming a lack of good results on his training under Klopp—was nothing more than an empty excuse.
While the Black Stars struggle on the international stage, the rot extends to the domestic league. The once-thriving Ghana Premier League (GPL), once home to teams like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, is now a shell of its former self. The league has become plagued by corruption, poor governance, and a lack of investment in youth development. As a result, young talents are bypassing the domestic scene for opportunities abroad, leaving the national team without a pipeline of fresh talent.
The GFA’s role in this downfall is undeniable. Under Kurt Okraku’s leadership, the association has failed to prioritize the development of the game, opting instead for petty power struggles and short-term fixes. The GFA’s reckless hiring and firing of coaches has added to the instability, preventing any real progress from being made.
But all is not lost. While Ghanaian football is in ruins, there is still hope for a revival. The road to recovery will be long and painful, but it begins with acknowledging the failures and committing to a complete overhaul. To rebuild, Ghana must:
1. Revitalize the Ghana Premier League: Focus on cleaning up corruption, improving governance, and developing young talent to restore the league’s status as a feeder for the national team.
2. Appoint a Merit-Based Coach: The next coach must be chosen based on their qualifications and ability to navigate the challenges of African football—not political ties.
3. Invest in Grassroots Development: Football academies and community-based talent identification programs need to be established to cultivate young players from the ground up.
4. Hold the GFA Accountable: The current GFA leadership, under Okraku, must be held responsible for their failures. If they refuse to step aside, they must be removed.
5. Rally National Support: The Ghanaian people, the media, and corporate sponsors must unite to support the national team and the rebuilding process.
Ghana football’s rhythm may have faltered, but it is not beyond repair. As an Akan proverb states, “When the drumbeat changes, so must the dance.” It is time for a new beat to emerge—a rhythm that leads Ghana football back to its former glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Samartex left-back Isaac Afful’s much-awaited debut for the Black Stars ended in frustration as Ghana suffered a 2-1 loss to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Monday.
Afful, 25, was handed a starting role at left wing-back but struggled to make an impact throughout the match. Several uncharacteristic mistakes, including losing possession of the ball multiple times, seemed to highlight the nerves of a player making his first senior appearance for the national team. His performance led to a halftime substitution as coach Otto Addo looked to make changes after a difficult first half.
Although his debut was challenging, there is plenty of hope for Afful’s future with the Black Stars. His potential has not gone unnoticed, and with more international exposure, it’s expected that he will learn and improve from this experience. Despite the setback, Afful’s journey in the national team is just beginning.
The defeat left Ghana bottom of Group F, a disappointing result in their AFCON qualifying campaign. However, for debutants like Afful, it was a valuable learning experience, one that will hopefully serve as a foundation for future growth with the Black Stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei’s much-anticipated debut for the Black Stars was marred by injury, as his first appearance ended in heartbreak during Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Adjei, 22, started in defense at the Accra Sports Stadium, eager to make his mark for Ghana. However, just 40 minutes into the match, the young defender was forced off with what appeared to be an ankle injury. His early substitution compounded an already difficult night for the Black Stars, who were struggling in a qualifier that had already seen them fail to register a single win, finishing bottom of Group F.
The game had its moments of hope for Ghana, with 17-year-old Jerry Afriyie scoring on his debut to briefly equalize the match. Yet, Niger regained the lead when Oumar Sako netted a late header, sealing the victory. Ghana’s chances of salvaging a point were dashed when Mohammed Kudus missed a penalty in the dying moments of the game.
Adjei’s injury is a bitter blow not only for Ghana but also for his club, Lorient, who will be closely monitoring his recovery. Despite a challenging debut, Adjei remains hopeful of overcoming this setback and cementing his place in the national team for future competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian striker Ropapa Mensah has been named to Sofascore’s USL League One Team of the Season, an individual accolade that shines through in a challenging year for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
Mensah, 27, was one of the few standout performers for the Red Wolves, despite the team finishing in 11th place in the 2024 USL League One standings. Over 18 appearances, including 14 starts, Mensah contributed a solid nine goals and two assists, showcasing his attacking ability. His performances were a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Chattanooga, who ended the campaign with just 18 points from 22 games, equal with last-placed CV Fuego.
Chattanooga’s struggles were highlighted in their final match, a 3-0 loss to Lexington SC, which marked a disappointing end to the season for Mensah and his teammates. However, the striker’s consistent efforts earned him a place in the league’s best XI, a recognition that could lead to potential interest from higher-tier clubs, especially with his contract set to expire on November 30, 2024.
Mensah, who joined Chattanooga in January 2023 from Sporting Kansas City II, has continued to prove his worth in the USL League One and remains a player to watch as his future unfolds.
