Black Stars coach Otto Addo has acknowledged the factors that led to Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during a recent meeting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Addo took responsibility for several challenges that affected the team’s performance, including internal disunity, injuries to key players, and the late arrival of players for critical fixtures.
One of the key issues, according to Addo, was the handling of the captaincy. He made Mohammed Kudus captain for the Sudan match in Thomas Partey’s absence, but this decision led to tension within the squad. Addo later reinstated Jordan Ayew as captain for matches against Angola and Niger, a move he believes disrupted team unity.
Injuries to important players such as Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams further hampered Ghana’s chances, while several players withdrawing from the final match against Niger compounded the struggles.
Addo also pointed out that the late arrivals of some players had a negative impact on preparations, which ultimately reflected in the team’s poor performances, especially in home games.
In the meeting with the GFA, Addo requested additional backroom staff to help address these challenges and ensure better preparation for future campaigns.
Despite the AFCON setback, the GFA has decided to retain Addo as coach, with expectations that he will lead the Black Stars to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Addo’s tenure, which began in March 2024, has faced setbacks, but the team currently leads their group in the World Cup qualifiers, offering hope for the future.
