The Black Stars of Ghana, a team that has been a significant force in African football for the past two decades, has faced a major setback. For the first time in 20 years, they have failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This news has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond, leaving both fans and players in disbelief. The team’s inability to qualify for this prestigious tournament has raised numerous questions about the future of football in Ghana.
Ghana finished at the bottom of Group F without securing a single victory, joining Madagascar, Eswatini, Chad, and Namibia as teams that also failed to win any matches in thequalifiers, which included participation from 48 countries.
Surprisingly, Ghana ended up with more points than only Namibia, Eswatini, and Madagascar, which is unexpected given the nation’s footballing history compared to these smaller nations.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, failing to qualify for AFCON represents a significant disappointment. What adds to the pain is that Ghana was in the same group as Angola, Niger and Sudan, who had to play their home matches on foreign ground due to political turmoil in their countries.
These developments have heightened concerns among fans regarding the team’s future under the current leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The worries are compounded by the team’s early exits from the group stages in the last two AFCON tournaments, leading to doubts about their progress and direction.
In the wake of this disappointment, the Ghana GFA has faced harsh criticism, and Otto Addo has come under scrutiny for his tactics and team selection, with many Ghanaians calling for his dismissal.
Following an Executive Committee meeting last Wednesday, it was decided to dissolve the management team. A decision regarding the coach’s future is expected to be made after November 27, following a review of his report from the qualifiers.
However, it appears unlikely that the GFA will take action against Otto Addo, who is determined to continue in his role. He draws inspiration from his role model, Jurgen Klopp, believing in the importance of persisting through challenges.
“Challenges are part of being a coach; Klopp faced tough times at Dortmund, nearly facing relegation before winning the championship. It’s normal to encounter ups and downs, and if you learn from them, things will get better. I know there are calls for me to resign, but that’s not my plan,” Otto Addo told the press after his team’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in the final game of the qualifiers.
If the GFA decides to keep him, Addo will lead the team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, but he will need the support of the FA and the right assistant coaches to succeed.
During the AFCON qualifiers, it became evident that Otto seemed uncertain when challenges arose. He required an assistant with significant experience to help navigate the difficult questions, but neither John Paintsil nor Joseph Lauman could provide the necessary guidance.
Having the right assistant coaches is crucial in football, and even the best, like Pep Guardiola, need support to achieve their goals.
“I do not want someone who is just going to agree with everything. I need a guy to push me, to challenge me intellectually. I need people around me who can help me become a better manager for our players and help me see things I might miss,” Pep once said about picking an assistant for himself.
If Otto Addo is to remain in his role, adjustments to his technical team are necessary. The Ghana FA must make strategic decisions to prevent a recurrence of the problems faced during the AFCON qualifiers.
This includes a strong investment in grassroots football development to discover and cultivate young talent, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive at the highest level.
In conclusion, while the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON represents a significant setback, it can also serve as an opportunity for growth and renewal. With the right support and strategic decisions, Ghanaian football can emerge stronger than ever.
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