by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Key decisions expected as GFA addresses Black Stars’ failure and future of Ghana football.
The Executive Council (ExCo) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to hold a pivotal meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in response to the Black Stars’ shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This marks Ghana’s first AFCON absence since 2004, following a disappointing qualification campaign that saw the team falter in Group F. Their elimination was sealed even before their final match against Niger in Accra on Monday. The Black Stars’ performance and broader issues within Ghanaian football are expected to dominate the agenda.
Amid increasing calls for accountability, stakeholders have urged significant changes to the technical team and management structures to prevent future setbacks. The meeting will also address the progress of other national teams, including the Black Queens, Black Galaxies, and youth sides, alongside a review of domestic competitions like the Ghana Premier League, Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League, and MTN FA Cup.
A major focus will be on the upcoming GFA Retreat, designed to shape long-term strategies for football development. Updates on critical projects, such as the refurbishment of the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence at Prampram, and assessments of youth programs like the KGL U17 Colts Championship, are also on the agenda.
This meeting, occurring at a turning point for Ghana football, is expected to result in decisions that will chart the sport’s future direction in the country.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian midfielder points to systemic issues beyond coaching as Black Stars miss out on AFCON qualification.
Ghana’s football legend Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called for a broader analysis of the Black Stars’ ongoing struggles following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The senior national team faltered in a crucial Matchday 5 encounter against Angola, managing only a 1-1 draw at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. The result left Ghana languishing in fourth place in Group F, with a meager three points from five games, effectively ending their hopes of making the tournament in Morocco next year.
Speaking on Akoma FM, the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner refrained from singling out Otto Addo and his technical team for the team’s woes. Instead, he highlighted a pattern of underperformance under multiple coaches.
“Obviously, there are problems with the technical team. While the coach may not be performing exceptionally, we can’t blame the entire situation on him alone,” Agyemang-Badu remarked. “If we’ve had five different coaches under Kurt Okraku’s administration and we are still struggling, can we honestly say it’s just a coaching issue? That wouldn’t be fair.”
The Black Stars, whose fans have grown increasingly frustrated, will play their final qualifier against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off slated for 16:00 GMT.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council will meet on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, to deliberate on the future of Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars. This follows Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a setback that has deeply disappointed fans and stakeholders.
Addo, who rejoined the Black Stars in March on a 34-month contract with an optional two-year extension, has come under intense scrutiny. Since his return, the team has recorded just two wins in nine matches, with their latest failure—a 1-1 draw against Angola—confirming their elimination from the AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana’s absence from AFCON for the first time in 21 years has sparked widespread criticism and calls for leadership changes. Addo’s tenure, initially marked by high expectations following his stint at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has struggled to yield positive results in his second term.
Monday’s final qualifier against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium will be a dead-rubber encounter, likely marking the end of Addo’s campaign with the team.
Beyond discussing Addo’s future, the GFA’s Executive Council is also expected to assess the state of the country’s football ecosystem, including the performance of other national teams and domestic competitions, as part of efforts to rebuild confidence and chart a new course for Ghana football.
The outcome of Wednesday’s meeting will likely set the tone for the future of the Black Stars and their preparations for upcoming international competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Black Stars legend George Alhassan has laid the blame for Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squarely on the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
For the first time in 21 years, the four-time AFCON champions will miss out on the continent’s premier football tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco next year. Despite receiving a lifeline after Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan, Ghana could only manage a 1-1 draw against Angola in their Matchday 5 fixture at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.
The disappointing result leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F with just three points, sealing their elimination.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Sports Arena, Alhassan, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 1978 AFCON triumph, criticized the GFA for their decision to reappoint Otto Addo as head coach.
“It was the Ghana Football Association (GFA) who brought in Otto Addo. If we should blame him for the failure, then the GFA must equally be held accountable because they made that decision,” he remarked.
Alhassan also questioned the GFA’s reasoning for bringing back Addo after his earlier tenure ended with Ghana’s group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.
“The GFA decided to bring Otto Addo back after his previous performance. Who do we blame in this case? The GFA must take responsibility,” he emphasized.
Ghana will conclude their dismal qualifying campaign on Monday with a home game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT.
The elimination has sparked widespread criticism, with fans and pundits demanding accountability from the country’s football leadership.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Stars of Lake Side etched their name in history as the champions of the Kozie Cares Champions League, defeating Mambass FC 1-0 in a thrilling final at the Agiringanor Astro Turf on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Asiedu Emmanuel’s decisive first-half strike sealed their victory, earning them the coveted trophy and a cash prize.
Organized by Akosua Asaa Manu, popularly known as Kozie, the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Adentan Constituency, the three-month-long tournament aimed to uncover local talent while fostering unity and peace ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
Addressing the audience, Kozie expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support:
“This event was not just about football; it was about building community, discovering talent, and promoting peace. If elected, I promise to make this an annual event to continue supporting our youth.”
The competition featured 16 teams, with games held every weekend, and attracted enthusiastic crowds from Adentan and surrounding communities. Football fans were also treated to a memorable performance by Ghanaian dancehall icon Shatta Wale, adding a vibrant conclusion to the festivities.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu was among the notable attendees, expressing admiration for the raw talent on display. The Kozie XI team, comprising representatives of the parliamentary candidate, finished third in the competition.
Beyond the event, Kozie envisions transforming this initiative into a long-term developmental program for the constituency. She emphasized the untapped potential of football as a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion.
“Football can be a cornerstone of our community’s development. This gala is just the beginning of a broader vision to create opportunities for Adentan’s youth,” Kozie shared.
The Kozie Cares Champions League not only spotlighted emerging soccer stars but also fostered a spirit of togetherness and hope. As Adentan prepares for the general elections, the tournament has set an inspiring example of how sports can unite and empower communities.
