by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria
The Black Stars of Ghana are set to face Niger in a high-stakes encounter, with Mohammed Kudus once again leading the team as captain. The match is seen as a crucial opportunity for the Black Stars to redeem themselves following their disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
The team’s inability to secure a afcon spot has cast a shadow over Ghanaian football, leading to widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, this game against Niger presents a chance for the players to prove their resilience and rekindle hope for the future. Kudus, a shining star in the squad, is tasked with inspiring his teammates to deliver a performance worthy of the Black Stars’ rich footballing history.
Interim coach Chris Hughton has named a strong squad, blending experience with youthful exuberance. The focus is on regaining confidence, rebuilding team chemistry, and giving fans something to cheer about.
Ghana’s Line-Up Against Niger
Goalkeeper:
Abdul Manaf Nurudeem
Defenders:
Razak Simpson
Ernest Nuamah
Kingsley Schindler
Terry Yegbe
Midfielders:
Ibrahim sulemana
Rasford Koningsdorffer
Mohammed Kudus (Captain)
Forwards:
Issac Afful
Francis Abu
Nathaneil Adjei
A Test of Character
This match is more than just a friendly; it’s a test of character for a team under immense pressure to restore its reputation. With Kudus leading from the front, fans are hopeful the Black Stars will rise to the occasion and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Queens are poised to learn their group-stage opponents for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the official draw takes place on Friday, November 22, 2024. The event is scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco, the host nation for next year’s tournament.
Guided by Swiss head coach Nora Hauptle, the Black Queens secured their place in the prestigious tournament after missing the last two editions. Hauptle’s tenure has brought a resurgence of hope to Ghana’s senior women’s national team, with fans and players optimistic about their chances.
The competition will feature 12 teams, including host Morocco, defending champions South Africa, and powerhouses like Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, and Zambia, all vying for the coveted trophy.
As the 15th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2024 is set to showcase the best in African women’s football, culminating in July 2025 in Morocco. The Black Queens have been actively preparing through a series of friendly matches as Hauptle continues her search for fresh talent to strengthen the squad.
With the stakes high and anticipation building, Ghana is determined to make an impact on the continental stage and reestablish themselves as a force in African women’s football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Prominent football administrator George Afriyie has called for the termination of Otto Addo’s contract as head coach of the Black Stars, citing Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as sufficient grounds.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice president argued that AFCON qualification was a critical condition in Addo’s agreement with the GFA. He believes this failure provides a legitimate basis for ending the coach’s tenure.
“Qualification to AFCON is one of the conditions that can warrant the termination of a contract. It is standard in these agreements, and failure to achieve that gives the FA every reason to terminate the contract,” Afriyie stated.
While advocating for Addo’s dismissal, Afriyie emphasized the need for a broader evaluation of the coach’s performance, particularly in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. “We need to evaluate the coach’s performance holistically, including his handling of the World Cup qualifiers, to determine whether he should stay or go,” he explained.
The Black Stars will conclude their AFCON qualifying campaign on Monday with a match against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. However, the fixture is a dead rubber, as Ghana has already been eliminated from the tournament for the first time in over two decades.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Stars’ management committee member, Akwesi Agyeman, has issued a strong plea for patience with head coach Otto Addo, cautioning that his dismissal could jeopardize Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His remarks come amid a storm of criticism following Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—marking the first time in 21 years the nation will miss the continental tournament. With just one match remaining in the qualifiers, the Black Stars are languishing in fourth place in Group F, having earned a meager three points.
Despite mounting public calls for Addo’s removal, Agyeman emphasized the importance of consistency in achieving long-term success. “He’s been brought back to build something for the long term. If you consider the long-term vision, consistency is essential,” Agyeman stated in an interview with Hitz FM.
“Football is about results, yes, but right now, in just a few months, we have two critical games against Chad, home and away, to keep our World Cup hopes alive. I don’t think this is the right time for a change,” he added, highlighting the risks of a managerial shake-up at such a crucial juncture.
Ghana’s World Cup journey resumes in March 2025, with decisive matches against Chad and Madagascar. For now, Agyeman believes stability is key to restoring the team’s fortunes on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ex-Ghana midfielder says team’s struggles reflect deeper issues in Ghana football.
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has expressed his disappointment over the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stating the team lacked the quality needed to compete on the continental stage.
Ghana’s hopes were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Friday. Despite needing a victory following Niger’s dominant 4-0 win over Sudan, the Black Stars fell short. Jordan Ayew’s first-half free-kick was canceled out by Zini’s header in the second half, leaving Ghana stranded in fourth place in Group F with only three points from five matches.
In an emotional interview with Akoma FM, the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner criticized the team’s overall quality and called out a culture of complacency in Ghana football.
“Our team lacked the quality to qualify for the AFCON,” Agyemang-Badu said. “Our problems started long ago. The funny thing is we celebrate mediocrity and deceive ourselves into thinking everything is fine after one good result. I nearly cried yesterday.”
The Black Stars will conclude their qualifiers with a home game against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, kicking off at 16:00 GMT. However, the match will be little more than a formality as Ghana is already eliminated.
