by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has named Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren as the new head coach of the Black Queens on a two-year contract. This appointment follows the departure of Nora Hauptle, whose contract with the team was not renewed.
Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the GFA, expressed confidence in Björkegren’s ability to lead Ghana’s senior women’s football team to new heights. Speaking on Asempa FM, he emphasized the coach’s extensive experience in women’s football, noting that while this marks his first managerial role in Africa, he has proven himself as a champion in his career.
“Kim Lars Björkegren is a seasoned professional who has dedicated a significant part of his career to women’s football. We are optimistic that, with his expertise and the right support, he can guide the Black Queens to compete at the highest level and challenge for titles,” Asante Twum stated.
He acknowledged concerns about the transition from Nora Hauptle but assured fans that the GFA followed a thorough process in selecting Björkegren. Twum called on Ghanaians to rally behind the new coach, just as they did for his predecessor, to ensure the team’s success.
As part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco later this year, the Black Queens are set to play a series of friendly matches next month. Björkegren’s official unveiling is also expected soon.
With the WAFCON tournament fast approaching, the GFA and fans alike are hopeful that Björkegren’s leadership will mark a turning point for the Black Queens as they aim to reclaim their dominance in African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana are gearing up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a series of friendly games scheduled for next month. This revelation was made by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, during an interview with Asempa FM.
Asante Twum emphasized the importance of these matches, stating they will serve as vital tests of the team’s readiness for the tournament, which will take place in Morocco later this year. “Next month, the Black Queens will be engaged in friendly games as part of their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” he confirmed.
In a related development, the GFA has announced the appointment of Kim Lars Björkegren as the new head coach of the Black Queens. Björkegren, who has signed a two-year contract, takes over following the departure of Nora Hauptle. The Swedish tactician is expected to be officially unveiled next month.
With their place secured for the prestigious continental competition, the Black Queens are determined to make a strong impact under their new leadership.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to make a crucial decision regarding the future of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo during its next Executive Council meeting. This follows Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years.
Under Otto Addo’s leadership, the Black Stars endured a challenging AFCON qualification campaign, finishing last in Group F with just three points after six matches (three defeats and three draws). The team managed only two wins in ten matches throughout 2024, sparking widespread calls for Addo’s dismissal.
Speaking to Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum revealed that the Executive Council has already held extensive discussions about Addo’s performance but is yet to reach a final decision.
“To be honest, the very day Otto Addo presented his report, the Executive Council held about a seven-hour meeting. All the members, except Kwesi Appiah, shared their views,” Asante Twum stated. “The areas of concern, such as player management, tactics, and call-ups, were all discussed. However, no decision was made. What I know is that a decision will be taken at the next meeting.”
Otto Addo, 49, was reappointed as head coach in March 2024 on a three-year contract with an option for a two-year extension, replacing Chris Hughton. However, the team’s dismal performance has raised questions about whether he will continue in his role.
As Ghanaians eagerly await the Executive Council’s decision, the future of the Black Stars’ leadership hangs in the balance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is poised to make significant changes to the Black Stars’ technical team following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Henry Asante Twum, the GFA Communications Director, has confirmed that restructuring is underway as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March 2025.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Asante Twum revealed that the decision to re-evaluate the technical team was extensively discussed during the GFA’s most recent Executive Council meeting.
“Suggestions were made regarding the head coach [Otto Addo] and the assistant coaches. The backroom staff’s contributions since their appointment in March 2024 were analyzed, and it was decided to make changes. However, I cannot confirm specific individuals who will leave,” he said.
Asante Twum further noted that three individuals have been tasked with presenting recommendations to the Executive Council to guide the reshuffle. With time running out, any new appointments will need to happen quickly to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the next phase of qualifiers.
Reports suggest assistant coaches John Paintsil and Joseph Laumann are likely candidates to exit the team. The pair joined the technical setup in March 2024, replacing George Boateng and Didi Dramani. However, under the leadership of head coach Otto Addo, the team endured a disappointing AFCON qualification campaign, recording three losses and three draws.
This marks the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars have failed to secure AFCON qualification, increasing pressure on the GFA to revamp the technical staff and reinvigorate the squad ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked criticism, with former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice president Fred Pappoe expressing concerns about the team’s leadership decisions.
The controversy revolves around the appointment of Mohammed Kudus as captain during the qualifiers. With Thomas Partey sidelined, coach Otto Addo chose the West Ham midfielder to lead the Black Stars in their doubleheader against Sudan. Despite Jordan Ayew’s extensive experience, the decision sidelined him in favor of Kudus.
The results were disappointing. A 0-0 draw at the Accra Sports Stadium and a 2-0 loss in Benghazi sealed Ghana’s fate, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches—their worst qualification campaign in two decades.
Fred Pappoe did not mince words when addressing the issue during an interview on Original FM. “The issue of the Black Stars’ captaincy was poorly handled. The decision to give Mohammed Kudus the captaincy was premature,” he stated.
Ghana’s absence from the tournament for the first time in 20 years has left fans and stakeholders questioning key decisions, including team leadership and performance.
