Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has called for a cultural reset within the Black Stars following Ghana’s historic failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This marks the first time in two decades that the Black Stars have failed to qualify for the prestigious tournament, a result that has left fans and pundits in shock.
Ghana finished bottom of Group F, failing to secure a single win, with only three points from six matches. This poor performance is seen as a significant setback for the team, one that has never been witnessed before.
In an interview with Channel One TV, Afriyie Ankrah highlighted the collective responsibility in addressing the team’s failures. He emphasized that both the Football Association (FA), the technical bench, and the players all have roles to play in this process.
Focusing on the players, Afriyie Ankrah stressed the need to instil a greater sense of commitment. He remarked that being selected to play for the national team should be seen as a privilege and honour, not just an opportunity for financial gain. While he acknowledged that players should be rewarded for their efforts, he emphasized that their primary motivation should be national pride and the desire to give their all, regardless of the financial incentives.
His comments underscore the importance of discipline, commitment, and a strong sense of duty to the country, urging that a cultural shift is needed within the team to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
Following the Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council is expected to decide on the future of head coach Otto Addo.
The team’s poor performance in the qualifiers, which saw Ghana finish bottom of Group F without a single victory, has raised serious questions about the leadership and direction of the national team. Despite initial optimism, the Black Stars’ inability to secure qualification has put immense pressure on both the players and the coaching staff.
As the GFA looks to address the situation, discussions around Otto Addo’s tenure are intensifying. His position as head coach will be under scrutiny, and the Executive Council is expected to announce his future.
The GFA is likely considering the long-term vision for the Black Stars, weighing the need for a potential change in leadership to improve the team’s performance and morale. Addo’s future will likely depend on his ability to restore confidence and take the team back to its competitive best.
This decision is part of a broader effort to restore Ghana’s footballing pride, with many calling for a comprehensive restructuring of the national team. It also follows Elvis Afriyie Ankrah’s call for a cultural reset within the team, highlighting the need for commitment and a shift in mindset. Following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now facing a crucial decision regarding the future of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo. This marks a disappointing moment for Ghanaian football, as the Black Stars failed to register a single win in their AFCON qualifiers, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches—a result that shocked many and has never occurred before in the nation’s football history.
In response to the team’s poor performance, former Minister of Youth and Sports Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has called for a cultural reset within the team. He emphasized that the players need to understand that being called up to represent their country should be viewed as a great honour, and they should be willing to give their best for the national team, even with minimal financial rewards. This sentiment has resonated with many football observers and stakeholders who are questioning the attitude and commitment of the players.
Afriyie Ankrah also made it clear that the responsibility for this failure does not lie solely with the players but also with the GFA and the technical bench. He believes that there needs to be a collective effort from the entire footballing structure to restore the Black Stars’ pride and performance on the continental stage.
The GFA Executive Council, which oversees the national football teams, is now in the process of assessing the situation and will soon decide on the future of Otto Addo, who was appointed in 2021. Addo had initially earned praise for guiding the Black Stars to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but the team’s underwhelming performance in the AFCON qualifiers has raised doubts about his continued suitability for the role.
The GFA’s decision will likely be influenced by the growing calls from fans, football pundits, and former players for a fresh approach, which could involve either a change of coach or a restructuring of the team’s leadership. Some have argued that a new coach with a different tactical philosophy and a renewed sense of purpose might be necessary to lead the Black Stars back to glory.
In addition to evaluating the technical staff, the GFA will also consider other aspects of the national team’s setup, such as the team’s mentality, discipline, and readiness to represent the country with full commitment. The coming weeks will be crucial for Ghana’s footballing future, as the GFA decides how to rebuild the team and restore their competitive edge in the next round of AFCON qualifiers.
