Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
A pitiful two points out of a possible nine in three matches played in the 2025 AFCON qualifier in a group comprising of Angola, Sudan, Niger is uncharacteristic of Ghana. This tells how low the Black Stars’ standard has fallen.
Ghana, a four-time AFCON gold medalist and multiple finalist, struggles to qualify from a group with these nations that have never played in the AFCON grand finale or been considered top football nations is unacceptable and appalling.
I guess Nana Oduro Sarfo, GFA Exco member, can best describe Ghana after equating Asante Kotoko SC to premier league debutants, Young Apostles, a few weeks ago. With his analytical lens, he might equate Ghana’s standard to Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, São Tomé, and Principe.
Madagascar, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania no longer struggle to beat Ghana. How shameful.
We are no longer in the class of Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, and the likes in terms of performance in football as far Africa is concerned.
Administratively, there are huge challenges, but those in charge refuse to admit it, just as they have with national team coach appointments and player selections.
I am not disputing Mr. Kurt Okraku’s administrative prowess, but his “I can’t work with my enemies” mantra has done him more harm than good. Football administration promotes unity, not enmity.
Due to the substandard domestic league, the GFA fears calling more than five local players to join the Black Stars. However, history shows local players excel when called upon.
National teams are built over time from home, not selected from abroad. The GFA has lazily sought to build foreign ‘stars’ instead of Ghanaian national teams.
Why should the Black Stars be the starting point for players playing in foreign lands? Without formidable junior teams, we cannot produce a better senior side. Graduating stars from junior national teams to senior side would promote cohesion, familiarity and team chemistry which are very crucial to football team success.
I suggest Mr. Kurt Okraku holds back on his outbursts, eats humble pie, and admits failure. He should see differing opinions as stakeholders seeking to salvage Ghana football, not enemies.
Ghana football must rise again through collective efforts. Everyone committed to bringing back lost glory should be invited and assigned a role.
To the GFA communication department, refrain from posting irritating messages, videos, and insinuations on social media. Instead, foster unity and admit failure.
Group ‘F’ Standings at glance
1. Angola-6 points
2. Sudan-4 points
3. Ghana-2 points
4. Niger -1 point
Long live Ghana football, Long live Ghana!
By Thomas Asem Awuah
Communication Analyst and Media Practitioner
