More Staff, Same Challenge – George Afriyie Urges Realism Over Black Stars’ 2026 Hopes
Former Ghana Football Association Vice President George Afriyie has cautioned Ghanaians against expecting immediate transformation within the Ghana national football team despite recent additions to the technical bench ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His remarks come after the GFA announced five new appointments aimed at strengthening the Black Stars’ backroom staff in preparation for the global tournament.
French tactician Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren have been named assistant coaches.
Spanish strategist Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso will oversee scouting and match analysis, while Carlos Lozano Romero returns as physiotherapist after serving during the 2022 World Cup. British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the revamped technical team.
Despite these reinforcements, Afriyie insists that expanding the technical setup does not automatically guarantee improved performances.
“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM, emphasizing that simply adding more personnel does not necessarily enhance the team’s prospects.
As part of their preparations, Ghana will regroup in March for international friendlies against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team.
The Black Stars, making their fifth appearance at the Mundial, have been drawn in a challenging group alongside the Panama national football team, the England national football team, and the Croatia national football team. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Afriyie’s message is a call for measured optimism as the Black Stars prepare for another shot at football’s biggest stage.