by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has voiced strong criticism of the current GFA administration under Kurt Okraku, accusing them of mishandling the Black Stars coaching role with a “trial and error” strategy.
Afriyie lamented the lack of stability and direction in the team, citing the frequent changes in head coaches over the past five years as a major factor behind the national team’s struggles.
The coaching merry-go-round began in 2020 when CK Akonnor was appointed after Kwesi Appiah’s dismissal. However, Akonnor was soon sacked, paving the way for Milovan Rajevac. Rajevac’s tenure ended abruptly following the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Otto Addo, initially an interim coach, guided the team to the 2022 World Cup but resigned after their group-stage elimination.
Chris Hughton, who served as a technical advisor, was next in line but was dismissed after the team failed to progress past the 2023 AFCON group stage in Ivory Coast. Surprisingly, the GFA turned back to Otto Addo in March 2024, offering him a long-term deal, but under his leadership, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Afriyie did not hold back, questioning the GFA’s decision-making process and highlighting Otto Addo’s inexperience as a head coach, alongside the limited expertise of his assistants.
“Coach CK [Akonnor] was sacked, you brought in Milovan Rajevac. Milo was sacked, and Otto Addo took over. Otto said he was not ready for the job long-term, and when he left, Chris Hughton came in. Chris was also sacked, and Otto was brought back. What are we doing? Is it not trial and error?” Afriyie asked.
He continued, “Otto Addo had never been a head coach of any serious team before. If you bring in an inexperienced coach, you need top-notch assistants, but that has not been the case. During the World Cup, we had Otto Addo with assistants like Mas Ud Didi Dramani, Chris Hughton, and George Boateng, none of whom brought the needed experience.”
The former GFA Vice President believes this lack of consistency and foresight has led to confusion and poor performances. His remarks come as the Black Stars prepare for their final 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s football legend and former Black Stars coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has issued a rallying call for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to reset the nation’s footballing structures. His appeal comes on the heels of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades—a sobering moment for a footballing powerhouse.
Speaking on Joy FM, Akonnor, who coached the national team from 2019 to 2021, lamented the declining fortunes of Ghanaian football and attributed the crisis to the erosion of a coherent development system. Drawing from the successes of the past, Akonnor urged stakeholders to prioritize grassroots football and youth development programs.
“We need to have a plan that goes beyond profitability,” Akonnor stressed. “We have to look at our Under-17, Under-20, the local Black Stars (Black Stars B), and the senior national team. If we don’t strategize now, we will keep lamenting the decline of Ghana football.”
Recalling Ghana’s golden era of players like Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, and Laryea Kingston, Akonnor highlighted how their success stemmed from years of progression and familiarity within youth systems. He shared an example: “Laryea Kingston and Godwin Attram knew each other and had been playing together since they were ten years old. There was progression and cohesion. When the country needed them, they delivered.”
As the Black Stars prepare to face Niger in a meaningless final AFCON qualifier in Accra, Akonnor’s plea resonates as a wake-up call to rejuvenate a once-formidable footballing nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the dying embers of the match, with everything hanging in the balance, Mohammed Kudus stepped up to the penalty spot. The hopes of an entire nation rested on his shoulders. The crowd held their breath, the tension palpable, as Ghanaians prayed for a moment of glory.
The whistle blew, and Kudus began his run. A clean strike could have brought jubilation, a much-needed win, and renewed belief. But fate had other plans. The ball veered off its mark, sending the players, fans, and millions of Ghanaians into despair.
Once again, the dream was just out of reach, sinking deeper into the mud of disappointment. For Ghana, it was another heart-wrenching chapter in their football story—a reminder of how cruel the beautiful game can sometimes be.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a match that began with frustration and lackluster performances, Ghana’s footballers faced a rocky first half. The team struggled to find their rhythm, leaving fans concerned as they failed to create significant chances. But as the second half unfolded, something shifted. With everything on the line, the Black Stars came alive, playing with newfound energy and composure. The local players, in particular, stepped up, proving their worth as the game progressed. Their skill and determination became the driving force behind the team’s revival, as they delivered a performance that demonstrated just how much they were willing to fight for victory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a standout moment of the match, a perfectly timed assist from the right flank in the 68th minute set up Afriyie for his first-ever goal in a senior team match. This goal not only marked a personal milestone for the young player, but it also came during his debut start for the senior side. As the game continues, fans eagerly await the next chapter, wondering how this key moment will influence the final outcome.
