In Ghana, the football world is in turmoil following the Black Stars’ crushing defeat to Sudan, which seriously jeopardizes their qualification for the 2025 AFCON. The disappointing performance of the national team has sparked a wave of reactions, highlighting the frustrations of fans, former players and former coaches.
Coach Otto Addo has found himself at the centre of criticism, with ardent supporters not mincing their words. Ghanaian football legend and former Black Stars player Malik Jabir did not hesitate to state categorically that “Otto Addo must be fired”. The team’s mixed results since the coach’s return in March 2024, with only two wins in eight games, have fueled the anger of fans and observers.
The 2-0 defeat to Sudan was the trigger for exasperation, exposing the very real risk of missing the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in twenty years. The defeat against a team led by former Ghanaian coach Kwasi Appiah, currently Sudan’s coach, adds even more salt to the wound.
The reactions are not limited to simply observing the sporting results. Some observers point the finger at the poor management of the Federation and the Ministry of Sports, accused of failing to ensure an environment conducive to the development of Ghanaian football. The Save Ghana Football association even goes so far as to deplore the lack of decent stadiums to host international matches, thus raising crucial questions about the country’s sporting infrastructure.
To hope to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the Black Stars no longer have any margin for error. They will have to win their next matches against Angola and Niger in November, while counting on Sudan making mistakes against the same opponents. This situation highlights not only the sporting stakes, but also the structural and organizational challenges facing Ghanaian football.
In conclusion, recent events surrounding the Ghana national team illustrate the fragility and complexity of the world of football. They highlight the need for in-depth reflection on strategies for the development and management of the sport at the national level, in order to perpetuate the excellence and passion that drive the supporters and stakeholders of this universal sport.