by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, believes there is still room for improvement despite Ghana’s impressive victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
After a challenging 2024, the four-time African champions bounced back strongly in 2025 with a commanding 5-0 win over Chad and a 3-0 triumph against Madagascar during the March international break. These back-to-back victories ended Ghana’s six-game winless streak and propelled them to the top of Group I with 15 points, three points ahead of second-placed Comoros.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Addo praised his team’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess but emphasized the need for better team cohesion.
“We have certain areas where we can always improve. We had a solid defence, and we also scored a lot of goals [against Chad and Madagascar],” he noted.
“But in between, the connection has to be much stronger, because especially the second game against Mali will be very tough. If we continue like that, we will be successful,” Addo added.
With four matches remaining in the qualifiers, the Black Stars will resume their campaign in September, facing Chad and Mali in crucial Matchday 7 and 8 encounters as they aim to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Parliament has approved a budget allocation of GH¢65,899,456.00 to support sports development across the country.
The approval was granted on Thursday, March 27, 2025, following a motion presented by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza.
The motion was seconded by several Members of Parliament, including Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, MP for Okere Constituency, who emphasized the need for proper maintenance of sports facilities.
“Maintenance has been an issue, and if we want to continue developing our sports and engaging the youth, the maintenance aspect should be very important to the ministry. This will ensure that these facilities last and provide opportunities for young people to develop their talent,” he stated.
Agbodza highlighted the ministry’s plans for the allocated funds, noting that the budget would be used to enhance sports activities nationwide.
“The amount is intended to help the ministry cover the activities of sports in the country, including the development of a new sports policy, the rehabilitation of some stadia, and the establishment of the national sports fund,” he explained.
The approval marks a significant step in boosting the country’s sports sector, ensuring better infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Fiifi Tackie, spokesperson for the Ayew family, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Otto Addo over comments regarding Andre Ayew’s exclusion from the national team.
Tensions have escalated following Otto Addo’s remarks in a recent interview with Sportsblog247.com, where he indicated that Ayew has dropped down the pecking order despite his performances for French club Le Havre. This statement came after Ayew was left out of Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier victories against Chad and Madagascar.
Expressing his disapproval, Fiifi Tackie took to Facebook to challenge the coach’s stance, describing his comments as both “shocking” and “disappointing.”
“Coach Otto Addo’s comments on Andre Ayew are shocking and disappointing. He has always emphasized active club participation as a key selection criterion. How can Ayew, a three-time World Cup veteran and proven leader, be overlooked despite playing well?” Tackie questioned.
Tackie further argued that Otto Addo’s comments undermine Ayew’s significant contributions to the Black Stars, highlighting his leadership and experience in major tournaments.
“Ayew’s legacy and commitment to the Black Stars are undeniable. His experience and leadership in major tournaments speak volumes. It is baffling that a coach who failed to qualify Ghana for AFCON 2025 would dismiss such a player,” he added.
He also described Addo’s remarks as “unprofessional” and “disrespectful,” asserting that they diminish Ayew’s sacrifices for the national team.
Andre Ayew, Ghana’s most-capped player, last played for the Black Stars in March 2024 during a 2-2 draw against Uganda in an international friendly.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
For years, the Black Stars’ captaincy has been a source of controversy, and former Ghanaian football icon Sammy Kuffour believes it is time for change. In a recent interview with Sporty FM, Kuffour criticized the inconsistent handling of leadership within the national team, arguing that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) must allow coaches to make the final decision on captains.
Kuffour, a key member of Ghana’s golden generation, referenced the 2019 incident when Asamoah Gyan was controversially stripped of the captaincy ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Andre Ayew was appointed in his place, a move Kuffour claims created unnecessary tension.
“We make the Black Stars captaincy too complicated,” Kuffour remarked. “It wasn’t the right decision to take the armband from Asamoah Gyan. As part of the NC committee, I said, ‘Let Gyan remain captain since he had only a few months left.’ We didn’t need to create tension for Dede or make Gyan feel isolated. A coach has to choose the Black Stars captain, not the FA.”
The latest captaincy shuffle has only reignited the debate. Despite Thomas Partey being initially earmarked for the role, Jordan Ayew has taken over as the new Black Stars captain. This decision comes amid speculation linking Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku to the position, while former captain Andre Ayew has yet to announce his retirement.
Despite the uproar, Jordan Ayew has embraced his new responsibilities with aplomb. Under his leadership, Ghana secured impressive victories against Chad and Madagascar, with Ayew contributing one goal and four assists, silencing some critics.
As the Black Stars continue their journey in international competitions, Kuffour’s call for a clearer and more consistent approach to leadership decisions echoes a sentiment shared by many fans and pundits.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has finally spoken out regarding his decision to leave out captain Andre Ayew from the latest Black Stars squad. Amid widespread debate, Addo clarified that the omission was based on tactical considerations and a desire to give younger players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
Ayew, a long-serving figure for Ghana, was notably absent from recent call-ups, sparking questions about his future with the team. Addo emphasized that while Ayew remains an important figure, the current focus is on building a competitive and dynamic squad.
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi has addressed speculation surrounding his international allegiance. Despite representing England at youth and senior levels, the Nottingham Forest winger remains eligible to switch to Ghana. Speaking on the matter, Hudson-Odoi revealed he is still considering his options but will make a decision that best supports his career ambitions.
The developments add fresh intrigue as Ghana prepares for crucial fixtures, with fans eagerly watching how these decisions will shape the Black Stars’ future.
