The Paramount Chief of Assin Kushea, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, has been chosen as the guest of honour for the upcoming 47th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards Night which comes off on January 28, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Center.
Amateur boxer Abraham Mensah, sprinter Joseph Paul Amoah and Ajax Amsterdam / Black Stars midfielder Kudus are the three candidates contesting for the 2022 SWAG Sports Personality of the year.
Popular sportsmen Benjamin Azamati, Mohammed Kudus, and Arsenal star Thomas Partey are all in contention for top awards.
Hearts of Oak striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, ex-AshantiGold forward Yaw Annor and Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim are in contention for the local-based Footballer Award of the Year Award.
26-year-old medical practitioner Dr Kwabena Adu Poku has been named the 2022 Chess Player of the Year while Kelvin Alphous would be crowned the Badminton Player of the Year for the second year running.
The Athlete of the Year award will be decided between Benjamin Azamati and Joseph Paul Amoah.
In the female category, Tripler jumper Abigail Kwarteng and USA-based Deborah Acquah along with high jumper Rose Yeboah are all in gunning for the big award. Kwarteng (triple jumper) and Acquah (long jumper) who both competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK are in pole positions for the accolade. But, home-based Rose Yeboah boasts of a rich voting constituency that has been left impressed with her delivery.
Police Officer Grace Mintah has been nominated for the Female Armwrestler of the Year Award.
Leading Ghanaian mining firms Adamus Resources Limited and MTN Ghana are the major sponsors of the 47th Awards Night.
Afropop and Afrobeat female singer Wendy Shay, budding comedian O.B. Amponsah, gospel artiste Perpetual Didier, and young singer Ashley Chuks are going to perform at the event.
Top high-performing sporting personalities are expected to be in attendance at the 47th SWAG Awards.
Full List Below:
Personality of the Year –
Joseph Paul Amoah – Athletics
Mohammed Kudus – Football
Abraham Mensah – Amateur Boxing
Armwrestler of the Year
Grace Mintah – Female
Athlete of the Year (Female)
Abigail Kwarteng – Triple Jumper
Deborah Acquah – Long Jumper
Rose Yeboah Amoanimaah – High Jumper
Athlete of the Year (Male)
Joseph Paul Amoah – 200Mts
Benjamin Kwaku Azamati – 100Mts
Badminton Player of the Year
Alphous Kelvin
Boxer of the Year (Amateur)
Abraham Mensah
Joseph Commey
Chess Player of the Year
Dr Kwabena Adu Poku
Club of the Year
Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC
Coach of the Year
Ofori Asare – Amateur Boxing
Husseini Akueteh Addy – Armwrestling
Prosper Nartey Ogum – Asante Kotoko
Nana Darkwa – Ampem Darkoa
Cricketer of the Year
Samson Awiah Aweh
Cyclist of the Year
Anthony Boafo Boakye Dankwa
Discovery of the Year
Joseph Commey
Raphael Nii Ankrah
Dedication and Valour
Lepowura Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula
Footballer of the Year (Male)
Andre Dede Ayew
Mohammed Kudus
Thomas Partey
Footballer of the Year (Female)
Blessing Shine Agomashie (ASFAR, Morocco)
Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah (Ampem Darkoa)
Doris Boaduwaa (Hasaacas Ladies, Ghana)
Footballer of the Player (Home Based)
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh – Hearts of Oak
Yaw Annor – Ashantigold
Ibrahim Danlad – Asante Kotoko
Hockey Player of the Year (Female)
Adizatu Sulemana (GRA Ladies)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awuley Quaye and Nii Dodoo Ankrah
Para-Athlete of the Year
Patricia Nyamekye
Professional Golfer of the Year
Kojo Barnii (Damang Golf Club)
Table Tennis Most Exciting Player
Israel Akili
Tennis Player of the Year
Samuel Osei Agbesi Antwi
Volleyball Player of the Year
Rashaka Katadat (Ghana Army)
SWAG TOP 5 Federations
Ghana Athletics Association
Ghana Armwrestling Federation
Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation
Ghana Boxing Authority
Ghana Football Association
Ghana Cycling Federation
Ghana Tennis Association
Swimmer of the Year
Abeiku Gyekye Jackson
Special and Meritorious Awards
Kingsley Owusu Achiaw – Bechem United
Reks Brobbey (Ghana’s Fastest Human Inventor)
Christine Ashley, Vice President – Ghana Chess Federation
Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, has revealed that the new Black Stars head coach is close to being appointed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The senior national team is currently without a substantive head coach following the resignation of Otto Addo after Black Stars’ early elimination at the 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, where the team exited in the group stage.
Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, Ussif said the GFA will submit a report by next on the next appointment.
According to him, the Ghana FA is expected to present a final report to his ministry on who they have decided to hand the role.
“The Ghana Football Association is in the process of hiring a new coach and I have personally engaged them and they have indicated that a final report will be submitted to the Ministry possibly this week or next week,” he said.
“I know we have an assignment in March this year and we need to have a new head coach, so he can start preparing for the AFCON qualifiers.
“The country should be assured that the GFA is working to ensure that we get a replacement.”
The Black Stars will be back in action in March when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume with a doubleheader against Angola.
Coach Héctor Cúper has been shortlisted for the vacant Black Stars coaching job. The Black Stars job became vacant after coach Otto Addo resigned on the 2nd of December, 2022.
Héctor Cúper was the head coach of the Leopards of DR Congo from 2021 to 2022. In March, his team missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a 5–2 aggregate playoff loss to Morocco. He was dismissed on 9 June 2022, having lost to Gabon and Sudan in the first 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
According to Accra-based radio station Asempa FM, the Ghana Football Association has shortlisted coaches for the vacant Black Stars job and Héctor Cúper is among those shortlisted.
Héctor Cúper 67, preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, he previously managed the Pharaohs of Egypt from 2015 to 2018, and Uzbekistan from 2018 to 2019.
Héctor Cúper managed 14 games with DR Congo, he won 3, drew 4, and lost 7.
The Ghana Football Association is likely to appoint a new coach by the end of January.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan says that why did former Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah apologize to him if the decision to strip him of the captaincy was right.
On the eve of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019, the coach of the Black Stars Kwasi Appiah decided to strip Asamoah Gyan off the captain’s armband.
Instead, coach Kwasi Appiah handed the captain’s armband to Gyan’s deputy Andre Ayew creating a storm even before the tournament began.
The former Sunderland player believes former Black Stars gaffer Kwasi Appiah had the time wrong and habours regrets about that decision but adds that the reasons given him were not coherent.
“Of course, I didn’t agree but if you think you’ve taken the decision why do you call me to apologise? My team met his team at Holiday Inn,” Gyan told Dan Kwaku Yeboah on YouTube.
“They spoke to me and apologised and told me not to be angry. Why do you have to apologise if it’s your decision? If it’s the right decision, why do you call my team and sit down to talk about it? Why? If it’s because of the relationship we had then I understand.”
He added: “He gave me the captain. He flew to Dubai but when he wanted to take the armband back, it wasn’t the right time. He had to give me a tangible reason. Somebody was the captain before me and I don’t have a problem with coach but I felt the timing was wrong. And also the explanation for the reason why he did that wasn’t coherent. That was why I got angry.”
“I told home I was angry and suggested that he leaves me out of the squad so that he could work with a sound mind. He told me I should rethink it because I’m in his plans.”
Asamoah Gyan retired abruptly after the incident and it had to take Presidential persuasion from the head of state Nana Addo for him to rescind his decision in a tournament he was on the periphery.
Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals has not called time on his storied career but has been unattached for close to two years now.
Black Stars management committee member, Alhaji Grusah, has opined that it is not a crime if managers of the Black Stars of which he is a part of benefit from Ghana’s World Cup windfall.
Asked if each member of the committee received an alleged $100,000 appearance fee at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said even if they received that, they earned it, refusing to categorically confirm or deny the claims.
There has been steam debate about whether management members should take an appearance at major tournaments.
According to Alhaji Grusah, the management members deserve to be paid because they risked their lives in boarding a flight from Ghana to Qatar.
“I want to ask if it’s a crime for us (the management committee) to take that appearance fee of $100,000,” he told Akoma FM.
“I risked my life to be on a flight from Ghana to Qatar. When we were being attacked in Nigeria, where were those people who are now making noise about the money we took?,” he added.
“It’s just some journalists who are only making noise about this, though I agree the money is huge, I think we deserved it,” Alhaji Grusah told Akoma FM in an interview.
He further highlighted the risks they took in joining the team in Qatar.
“A lot could have happened to us, we left our jobs to serve Ghana, if some of us were to stay back, we could have earned more than that from our various jobs, if it’s a crime, Ghanaians should come for their money. We took the money because we deserved it.”
The playing body received a $100,000 appearance fee for the tournament. Ghana exited the World Cup with one victory and two defeats, finishing last in Group H.
According to reports in the local media former Black Stars forward, Bashiru Gambo is dead. What caused his sudden demise is not yet known, he moved to the United States of America after retiring from professional football in 2012.
The 44-year-old played an instrumental role in Ghana’s victory at the FIFA U17 World in 1995 where the Starlets defeated Brazil 3-2 in the final.
Bashiru Gambo started his football career with Ghana Premier League side King Faisal in 1992 before moving to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund’s youth side. He made 108 appearances and scored 22 goals playing in the Dortmund youth setup. Gambo was promoted to the first team where he made eight appearances.
He featured for SSV Reutlingen, Karlsruher SC, Wydad Casablanca, Stuttgarter Kickers, Erzgebirge Auge, Jahn Regensburg, and VfR Mannheim in his professional career.
Gambo made five appearances and scored one goal for Ghana U17, seven appearances and scored one goal for Ghana U20, and four appearances for Black Stars.
Communication Director of the Ghana Football Association Henry Asante Twum has revealed plan to turn the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram into at least a 3-star Hotel.
According to him, the Ghana FA intends to uplift the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence from the money accrued from the Black Stars participation at the 2022 World Cup.
Speaking to Asempa FM, the FA mouthpiece confirmed Ghana earned an amount of $9.5 million at the group stage of the World Cup.
“We want to turn Prampram into an edifice that can house all our national teams.
The plan now is to turn the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram to at least a 3-star Hotel with a 60 to 70 capacity.
We want to raise the standard of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram so that it can host matches of all our national teams.
At this moment we are in talks with government and lobbying for these projects. The number one priority is to make Prampram at least a 3-star hotel so that it can house all our national teams” he said.
Ghana exited the 2022 World Cup at group stage after suffering a defeat against Uruguay in their last group game.
After beating South Korea, Ghana needed a win or draw to progress to the knockout face but were unable to negotiate for points against the South American giants, hence their early exit.
Henry Asante Twum has said the Ghana Football Association [GFA] are considering building a three-star hotel at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence at Prampram where all national teams will camp.
This is expected to be done out of the money earned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking in an interview, Asante Twum, who is the Communications Director of the country’s football governing body said they are in talks with government to use the money to build the edifice to camp the national teams.
According to him, the decision will help the state to cut down spending on where the various national teams camp ahead of the major tournaments.
“Ghana earned $9.5 million at the group stage of the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.
“We want to turn Prampram into an edifice that can house all our national teams.
“The plan now is to turn the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram into at least a 3-star hotel with a 60 to 70 capacity.
“We want to raise the standard of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram so that it can host matches of all our national teams.
“At this moment we are in talks with government and lobbying for these projects. The number one priority is to make Prampram at least a 3-star hotel so that it can house all our national teams,” he added.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, Henry Asante Twum has disclosed no Ghanaian coach has applied for the position of the vacant Black Stars coach job.
The four-time African Champions is currently without a substantive trainer following the resignation of Otto Addo.
The Germany-based trainer resigned as Black Stars coach after suffering early elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
After beating South Korea, Ghana needed a win or draw against Uruguay to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their South American ‘enemies’ in the final group game.
In an interview with Asempa FM monitored by Footballghana.com, Henry Asante Twum revealed no Ghanaian trainer has applied for the national team job.
“I’m never surprised that coaches are constantly applying. Most of them are from European countries and some too from South America. So far no Ghanaian coach has applied for the Black Stars job”
Meanwhile, he has disclosed a new Black Stars coach will be appointed by close of January 2023.
“I think it will be this month. From the conversations going on it is very likely a new head coach of the Black Stars will be appointed this month”
“There will be an ExCo meeting soon and everything will be finalized there” he said.
Abdul Samed Salis, a member of the Black Stars, was in excellent shape at his club. RC Lens was defeated 3 to 1 at home by champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Frankowski’s goal gave the home team the lead after five minutes, and Ekitike’s goal for PSG made it level three minutes later.
To start 2023 with a victory, Lens added two more goals in the 28th and 48th minutes via Openda and Claude-Maurice.
Salis lasted the entire game with impressive statistics that showed, among others, that he completed 46/50 passes, won 100% of his tackles with a chance created, and 11 recoveries.
“In his last two games since the World Cup, Salis Abdul Samed has not dropped below 92% passing accuracy,” journalist Gary Al-Smith noted.
Salis was part of Ghana’s team that played at the 2022 World Cup inQatar.
In memory of the late Brazilian legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, we provide a throwback to former Black Stars player Abedi Pele meeting Pele.
Abedi Pele was given the nickname “Pelé” due to his ability in football, which evoked comparisons to the Brazilian legend Pele.
Abedi began his career in Europe with French side Chamois Niort, subsequently joining Marseille before transferring to Lille on loan.
At club level, he was a key figure in Marseille’s dominance of the French league, resulting in four league championships and two European Cup finals appearances.
He won the France Football African Player of the Year Award three consecutive years, was the inaugural winner of the BBC African Sports Star of the Year in 1992, and the corresponding Confederation of African Football award twice.
Abedi made 73 appearances for the Black Stars of Ghana and scored 19 goals.
The ‘real Pele’
With 643 goals in 659 appearances for Santos, Pele is the club’s all-time leading scorer. He led Santos to the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963, as well as the Intercontinental Cup in 1962 and 1963.
Pelé’s debut international encounter was a 2-1 loss to Argentina on July 7, 1957, at the Maracana. He scored his first goal for Brazil in the game when he was 16 years and nine months old.
The 18th of July, 1971, saw Pelé play in his final international game in Rio de Janeiro against Yugoslavia.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as World Pelé on the local scene visited Ghana on May 8, 1971.
Following his return from the 2022 World Cup, Black Stars assistant coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani maintained his technical support program for his old schools and clubs in the Tamale municipality.
This time, the Ghana assistant manager showered his team with sporting goods for the clubs and schools he worked with.
The former Asante Kotoko coach has made it a yearly program of offering technical assistance to the schools and clubs in Tamale during the holiday periods.
He, however, moved a notch higher with his support by offering some footballs, jerseys, bibs and cash to facilitate the growth and progress of sports in the schools and to help the clubs facilitate their training programs.
Beneficiary schools included Tamale Business SHS and Tamale Training College receiving bibs, footballs, markers and jerseys.
He also donated technical wears for the RTU Technical Team and gave the club a set of bibs, footballs and markers. The old players of RTU, who were former team mates of Didi Dramani also had their share of his benevolence, receiving 2 sets of bibs, footballs and cash.
Pearlpia Ladies, Hearts Babies and Savannah Ladies were also given footballs, jerseys, bibs and markers to help their training programs.
Despite these donations, Didi also donated 18 markers for the 18 women’s clubs in the region as well as sanitary pads.
The former Asante Kotoko coach has always shared technical knowledge to communities in and around Tamale and this year’s is just an upgrade.
Dramani is the assistant coach of the Black Stars and assisted Otto ADDO to qualify the team for the 2022 World Cup where Ghana’s performance has given hope for the future.
Black Stars winger, Kamaldeen Sulemana has admitted that it has been frustrating with the injury setbacks in the ongoing season.
The 22-year-old attacker has struggled to make an impact due to his recurring injuries in the French Ligue 1.
The scintillating attacker was part of the Black Stars squad for the World Cup but played a peripheral role.
His performance last season in the French Ligue 1 attracted attention with this season promising to be greater, but he’s yet to deliver due to injuries.
The former FC Nordsjaelland attacker speaking in an interview said that he’s frustrated with his constant visit to the treatment room this season.
“I have been getting injuries and it’s frustrating,” he told TV3.
“I get frustrated a lot because when you are back on the track and all of a sudden you go back at the side again,” he added.
Kamaldeen Sulemana has made a total appearance of 14 and has scored three times in the ongoing season.
Black Princesses skipper Evelyn Badu has disclosed that his absence affected the performance of her teammates at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Badu was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury, having been initially ruled out of the Black Princesses’ first match against the United States.
Ghana failed to reach the knock-out stages for the sixth consecutive time.
“My absence did affect the tactical prowess of my team-mates,” Badu told BBC Sport Africa.
“I don’t want to compare the women’s game to the Black Stars but we all know how we are treated. Women’s football needs to be polished, tactically and technically.
“We were in camp for four months preparing for qualifiers but we couldn’t play even one international friendly match. We were playing against local teams like Faith Ladies, Army Ladies, and sometimes with boys’ academy sides.”
Badu was instrumental for Hasaacas Ladies as they reached the final of the inaugural Women’s African Champions League last year.
Sports Minster Mustapha Ussif has disclosed that Black Stars players did not receive any winning bonuses despite beating South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Ghana secured a 3-2 win over the Asian country after taking a 2-0 lead and pegged back at the start of the second half.
The West African country finished bottom of Group H with three points after losing to Portugal and Uruguay, having beaten South Korea in between.
“Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of over $3m, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match,” he said at the Floor of Parliament.
“What this means is that inspite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid a qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
“Mr Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Even though we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development,” he stated.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has revealed that his outfit spent $5, 071, 840.36 out of the $8,166,200.00 budgeted for the 2022 World Cup.
The Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori in his address to Parliament on Wednesday, revealed how much was spent at the tournament by the Black Stars.
Ghana exited the group stage after losing two games against Portugal and Uruguay.
“Mr Speaker, you may recall that prior to Ghana’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar, I informed the House that our estimated budget for the group stage of the World Cup was $8,166,200.00″, Mustapha Ussif said on the floor of Parliament.
He explained that, the expenditure “covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
“Out of this estimated budget, our total expenditure for our group stage participation amounted to $5, 071, 840.36. This expenditure covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
“Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of over $3m Dollars, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match.
“What this means is that, inspite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
Mr. Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Eventhough we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development”, he added.
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, has disclosed that his department spent $5 million of the $8.16 million allotted for Ghana’s participation in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He explained that, the expenditure covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the minister said “out of estimated budget of ($8,166,200.00 for the tournament,) our total expenditure for our group stage participation amounted to $5, 071, 840.36.”
He however noted that “the reason for the surplus of over $3m, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match.”
“What this means is that, in spite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
“Mr Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Even though we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development,” he added.
On December 2, 2022, Ghana was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Uruguay 2-0 in their final group match.
Following the Black Stars’ underwhelming showing in the 2022 World Cup, former Ghana international Kim Grant has pushed for a change in the team’s technical approach.
After losing to Uruguay 2-0 in the opening round of the competition, the Black Stars were out.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
“Black Stars need new technical direction, there should be a complete overhaul. There should a 5-10 years plan for development both local and international. Infrastructure, scouting, and sports science should be looked at, video also need to be looked at and how far we will go with everything.
I think we can do a lot much better as you saw for Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon because there is a lot development going on and for that matter there should a strategic plan for the Ghana football for ten years”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have been ranked the 24th best team at the just ended 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which was won by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Sunday.
The four-time African champions failed to progress past the group stage after recording two defeats and a win.
Otto Addo’s men lost 3-2 to Portugal, bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay in an entertaining World Cup exit.
Despite failing to go past the group stage, the African giants placed 24 in the index rankings after the tournament saw Argentina beating France in a nerve-racking final to clinch their third World Cup title.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach following the exit of Otto Addo, who stepped down after early exit at the biggest soccer mundial in the Asian country.
Former Ghanaian defender Dan Quaye thinks that the Black Stars‘ lack of discipline and haughtiness is hurting them.
Following a 2-0 loss against Uruguay, the Black Stars fell out of the tournament after the first round.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
“Current players of the national team are indiscipline and arrogant and I think that is affecting the Black Stars. It has become even difficult to correct them from their mistakes. Ghana football has been destroyed” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM in an interview.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have been ranked the 24th best team at the just ended 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which was won by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Sunday.
The four-time African champions failed to progress past the group stage after recording two defeats and a win.
Otto Addo’s men lost 3-2 to Portugal, bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay in an entertaining World Cup exit.
Despite failing to go past the group stage, the African giants placed 24 in the index rankings after the tournament saw Argentina beating France in a nerve-racking final to clinch their third World Cup title.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach following the exit of Otto Addo, who stepped down after early exit at the biggest soccer mundial in the Asian country.
Ghana exited the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Group stage after defeats to Portugal and Uruguay and a win against Korea.
But since the team’s exit rumours have been rife in the local media that members of the Black Stars Management Committee were paid some amounts of money as appearance fees something which the EXCO member has vehemently denied.
“Let me add this, no member of the management committee of the Black Stars took a dime, not even a pesewa as an appearance fee. The Ministry of Sports prior to the tournament said this time no appearance fee,” Oduro Sarfo said in an interview with Kessben FM.
He added that the GFA is not looking to gag the press and general public with their letter as he says they are not against Criticisms but eschew half-truths and lies.
“We are not saying people should not speak because they are Ghanaians, we are also Ghanaians. Are we (GFA people) Togolese? If something is going wrong with lies, we have to protect it as FA.
“People have been doing this for a long time and it is getting too much. It is deliberate for some others. What have we done? Speak but say the truth,” the GFA exco members said.
Dragan Stojkovi has made the short list for the open position coaching the Black Stars. Coach Otto Addo’s resignation on December 2nd left the Black Stars position open.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Serbia’s national football team was coached by Dragan Stojkovi.
Serbia was drawn into Group G with Brazil, Cameroon, and Switzerland. On November 24 in the opening game of group play, Serbia lost to Brazil 2-0 with Richarilson scoring two goals.
On November 28, Serbia faced Cameroon in the second game of group play and it ended 3-3. Switzerland defeated Serbia 3-2 on 2nd December in their last group game. Serbia finished 4th in Group G and was eliminated.
Dragan Stojković 57, preferred formation is 5-3-2, he previously managed Japanese side Nagoya Grampus from 2008 to 2013, and Chinese club Guangzhou R&F from 2015 to 2020.
Dragan Stojković managed 24 games with Serbia, he won 14, drew 5, and lost 5 a win percentage of 58.33
The Black Stars’ coaching role became vacant following the resignation of coach Otto Addo after Ghana’s group-stage elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Me & my family are happy in Germany. I said I would step down after the World Cup even if we’re world champions after the tournament.”
“I’ve resigned from my role as Ghana coach,” Otto Addo told the press in his post-match after Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay while announcing his exit.
Many names have been thrown out in the air, but according to Angel TV, the GFA will name someone in Otto Addo‘s technical team as the substantive coach of the Black Stars.
The report said that GFA is now considering its options but will most likely choose between George Boateng and former Brighton and Hove Albion coach, Chris Hughton.
Otto Addo supervised 12 games as the head coach of the Black Stars since he was appointed as the interim manager to lead the team for the FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in March 2022.
He won three out of the 12 games, lost five, and drew the remaining four matches, which include the doubleheader against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Despite leading the Black Stars for less than a year, Otto Addo will also go down in history as the first Ghanaian to have featured in the FIFA World Cup as a coach and a player.
The Black Stars is currently without a substantive coach following the exit of Germany-based gaffer Otto Addo after Ghana’s early exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Otto Addo announced his departure from the Black Stars after defeat to Uruguay, which derailed the four-time African champions chances of progressing to the knockout phase of the biggest soccer mundial.
Footballghana.com understands that six top coaches are up for the vacant Black Stars job with George Boateng and Chris Hughton who served under Otto Addo being included.
The duo faces a stiff competition from World-class coaches like Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Bento.
Both Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Bento are without a job following their exit from Chelsea and South Korea respectively.
The German trainer was shown the exit door at Chelsea over an unimpressive performance whiles the Portuguese coach stepped down after South Korea were booted out of the World Cup in Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Belgium coach Tom Saintfiet is among the six coaches shortlisted for the Black Stars job.
The 49-year-old is currently the manager of the Gambia national team. He qualified the country for their first Africa Cup of Nation qualification in 2021, leading them to a quarter-final finish.
Serbian trainer Dragan Stojković is also a key contender for the Black Stars coaching job.
The 57-year-old is currently the head coach of the Serbian national team and will hope to land the Black Stars job.
He led the Serbian team to the 2022 World Cup but were unable to booted out of the tournament along the line.
The Ghana FA is expected to name a new coach for the national team, knowing very well that there is an AFCON qualifier games set for March 2023.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
Ghana made a strong start to the game, but fell apart after captain Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute, a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Prince Tagoe, a former forward for Ghana, maintains that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh shouldn’t rush into leaving Hearts of Oak for another team.
The most well-known player on the domestic scene is the former Rahimo forward, who has played for Ghana’s Under-20 team, Black Meteors, Black Galaxies, and the Black Stars.
The 21-year-old Ghana international whose current contract expire on December 17 is being chased by a host of clubs abroad.
Barnieh is struggling to agree a new contract at the club as he nears the expiration of his contract at Hearts of Oak.
The World Cup star has been discussing his future with the Ghanaian giants for the past one year but there is yet to be a major breakthrough in the negotiations.
At the moment, it is said talks have reached a stalemate and it is likely the forward will leave the Phobians when his contract expires on December 17.
Citing himself as an example having rejected an offer from Paris Saint Germain in 2016, the former Ghana striker entreated Barnieh not to rush to leave Hearts of Oak.
“I rejected an offer from PSG in 2006 to complete a season at Hearts of Oak and I was the top-scorer,” Prince Tagoe told Accra based Angel FM.
“I moved to Saudi Arabia for €2m the following year and had good offers from Europe. Afriyie Barnieh shouldn’t rush to leave Hearts of Oak.”
Abdul Razak, a veteran in Ghanaian football, has voiced his unhappiness at repeatedly being passed up for the Black Stars coaching position.
When he applies for the open position, the legendary Asante Kotoko player who believes he is qualified to manage the team has frequently been rejected.
“I have applied for the Black Stars job for three times with my CV. I’m a proud Ghanaian and not a foreigner. They’ve snubbed me all three times for reasons best known to them”
“I remember before the second coming of coach Kwesi Appiah, they asked interested coaches in the vacant Black Stars job to submit their CV’s which I did. After I applied, a journalist called me and told me on phone that he has seen my application but it’s unfortunate I won’t get the job. That was when realization hit me that it’s true I won’t get the job”
“I have achieved a lot both as a player and a coach. Football is all about winning trophies and it’s sad if a coach doesn’t win trophies”
Meanwhile, Abdul Razak believes the Black Stars could have won the Africa Cup of Nations that has eluded the country for many years if he had been in charge of the national team
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The Black Stars have come close to ending the trophy drought in the last decade, 2010 Angola losing to Egypt in the finals and in 2015 Equatorial Guinea- Gabon as the Stars lost to Ivory Coast on penalty shootout.
“What do we want to win? Cup of Nations, we would have won it if I were to be the coach of the Black Stars. Even if I will not give me the coaching job, let me be there in spirit with them and I believe wherever we want to go, we can”
“I cannot force them to give me the Black Stars job. I have not been given any job to do not to even serve on the management. I think my presence can push the boys”
Abdul Razak won the AFCON with the Black Stars in 1978 and was named the African Best Player of the year later in that year.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
Ghana made a strong start to the game, but fell apart after captain Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute, a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach after the exit of Otto Addo
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has instructed its lawyers to institute legal action against persons who defame the Association, its officials, products and destroy the Black Stars brand as well as the media platforms used to do same.
According to the Association in a press release, the legal forum will provide the opportunity for such persons to bring any evidence to substantiate their allegations.
The GFA noted that its action stems from some individuals deliberately maligning and defaming the GFA and the Black Starsbrand in an attempt to manufacture a non-existent scandal about the team.
This erupted following the exit of the senior national team, the Black Stars from the on-going FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022.
After the Stars’ exit, the GFA apologised to the general public and all stakeholders and also indicated that we will continue with the positive lessons going into the future.
The Association noted that it “has since kept an open mind and continue to listen and receive comments, suggestions, and ideas from well-meaning Ghanaians both home and abroad for the improvement of the team.”
On the way forward, GFA says it will continue to encourage opinions and comments being expressed aimed at improving the team and the brand.
The market valuations of each Ghanaian player since the start of the season were examined by Homegrown Investments, an online financial counselor, to determine which player’s transfer value has climbed the highest since July 2022.
Salis Abdul Samed, who plays for the RC Lens has seen his market value increase by 105 million Ghana Cedis since July 2022 and is the Ghanaian player that has had the biggest increase in market value since then.
His current market value is now 150 million Ghana Cedis following his impressive performances in the French top division which earned him a place in Ghana’s squad for the World Cup.
In second place are the Ajax star player Mohammed Kudus and the Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey who have both seen their market value increase by 75 million Ghana Cedis.
Kudus was the one to watch in the Ghana team ahead of the World Cup after a blistering start to the 2022-23 season for Ajax in the Eredivisie and in the UEFA Champions League.
Top 5 value increases of team Ghana players since July 2022
Otto Addo stated that he feels honoured to have fulfilled his dream of coaching Ghana at the World Cup, in addition to playing for the Black Stars at the global tournament.
The former Ghana international was a member of the Ghana squad for their first tournament in Germany and made an appearance. Sixteen years later, he was in the dugout giving instructions to players as Ghana won one of three games in Qatar.
“16 years apart but the feeling is the same. It was always an honour and a blessing to represent the culture, hard work and the passion of our nation at the world stage. Let’s use the power of football and our love for the game to build and grow together. Ghana Osey!!!!” Addo wrote on Instagram.
Former Black Stars coach Otto Addo has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent Ghana on the world stage as a player and as a coach.
Otto Addo started for Ghana as right midfielder in the 2006 FIFA World Cup game against the Czech Republic on 17 June 2006 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, which Ghana won 2–0. In 2006 he played in Ghana’s 2–1 win over the United States at the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg.
After retiring he was appointed as a head scout of the Ghana national football team prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association announced on 9 February 2022 that Otto Addo has been named temporary coach of the Black Stars ahead of the team’s 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off matches against Nigeria.
After drawing 1-1 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles on March 29, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, he qualified Ghana (on away goals) for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. On March 25, the Black Stars of Ghana drew 0-0 with the Super Eagles at the Baba Yara Stadium.
His tenure was extended after guiding Ghana past the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ghana won one game against South Korea and lost two against Portugal and Uruguay. After the Uruguay game, Otto Addo announced his departure.
Former Ghanaian international Shilla Illiasu believes that if a top coach is in charge of the team, the current Black Stars group will be a force to be reckoned with.
He has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select a quality coach to lead the national team in order to achieve this.
“So, the Ghana Football Association has to make sure this time we are contracting a top coach for the Black Stars,” Shilla Illiasu said.
According to him, the Ghana squad which is dominated by talented young players has a bright future and will do the country proud.
“I think first of all Ghana we are fortunate to have one of the youngest squads as afar as Qatar 2022 is concerned. What it means is that as far as the future is concerned, we are up there,” Shilla Illiasu told Class Sports.
The former defender added, “What we need is – I made it clear from the onset, we need someone to be a coach, not a part-time coach, someone to guide them [the players] for the next 3 to 4 years, give him the project, give him the time, give him the plan, let him understand the task at hand, that’s what we need.
“Because you look at the calibre of our players, right now they need somebody to guide them.
Many Ghanaian women have expressed interest in getting married to the Ajax star and are gushing about Mohammed Kudus.
The Ajax midfielder contributed to three goals throughout the World Cup in Qatar tournament, helping the Black Stars advance out of the group stage by scoring two goals and setting up one.
The 23-year-old made a huge impact in his first major tournament for the Ghana national team, and also send signals to top European clubs with his performances ahead of the January transfer window.
Kudus has gotten the attention of the ladies being the star player for the Ghana national team at the tournament.
Just like Junior Agogo during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Ghana, Kudus is the most sought after gentleman in the country.
Kudus images and videos has gone viral mainly because of marriage proposal from some Ghanaian ladies on social media.
One lady on her post shared a wedding invitation which had Mohammed Kudus as the groom to be.
Very hilarious but the former Nordsjaelland midfielder is the hottest and most wanted boy in the country.
Salis Abdul Samed wants the Black Stars‘ new coach to stick with the present lineup despite the team’s World Cup group stage elimination.
After falling to Uruguay 2-0 on Friday, the four-time African champions were eliminated from the competition.
Ghana finished bottom of Group H with three points after losing to Portugal and Uruguay, having beaten South Korea in between.
“It was a good experience for us. We learnt many things from it [World Cup].”
“We don’t know one another much but if we continue to keep this group we will get better,” Samed told Daily Graphic.
“We need to work together and be more compact when we’re defending and help each other as we did against Portugal – the first half they got zero chance, but scored in the second half through counter-attacks when we had more spaces between us.”
Otto Addo will leave his post as Ghana coach at the end of December 2022.
Despite only playing three games, Ghana’s World Cup was exciting.
Before being eliminated from the campaign with a 2-0 loss to Uruguay, the Black Stars took part in two thrilling five-goal games against Portugal and South Korea.
The goalkeeper gave a decent account of himself, even if some of the stops against South Korea seemed theatrical.
Could have done better with Luis Suarez’s initial effort that saw Uruguay score their first in the group decider.
It was a commendable tournament nonetheless as Ati-Zigi only became the first choice due to injuries to Joe Wollacott and Richard Ofori.
Danlad Ibrahim (N/A)
The goalkeeper did not feature in the finals in Qatar.
Manaf Nurudeen (N/A)
The 23-year-old shot-stopper played no part in the global showpiece.
Centre-backs
Mohammed Salisu (7.5/10)
The Southampton centre-back was largely outstanding on his tournament debut for Ghana. He was unlucky to concede a penalty in the opening game, although he gave the referee a decision to make after going tight on Cristiano Ronaldo.
His no-nonsense approach saw him make more clearances than any member of the side and ranked third for ball recoveries in the Ghana squad.
It would be remiss to not remember Salisu’s goal and subsequent goalmouth clearance in the 3-2 win over South Korea when the Black Stars defended their slender advantage.
Daniel Amartey (7/10)
Amartey may not be everyone’s cup of tea but he gave as good as he got in Qatar, especially impressing with his passing range.
He matched Salisu for recoveries (15) despite playing fewer minutes than his centre-back partner and played an important part in their ball progression from deep.
Alexander Djiku (5.5/10)
The Strasbourg defender produced adequate performances in his two appearances, although he made only one start at centre-back as Otto Addo favoured Salisu and Amartey at centre-back.
Joseph Aidoo (N/A)
The centre-back did not feature in the finals.
Full-backs
Abdul Rahman Baba (6/10)
Often looked half a yard slow defensively but was often crucial to the Black Stars going forward.
Only Thomas Partey was involved in more open play passes leading to shots than the left-back (6-5), who was outdone by the Arsenal man for progressive passes.
Baba intermittently got stick but he was not as bad as perceived.
Alidu Seidu (6/10)
Effectively a centre-back playing at right-back and right wing-back, the Clermont Foot defender may have been underwhelming against Portugal but played commendably in the 2-0 defeat by Uruguay.
Tariq Lamptey (4/10)
The right-back had a below-par outing in Qatar, failing to pull up trees after coming on against Portugal, was overloaded down the right against South Korea and played no part in the decider vs Uruguay.
Was Lamptey’s absence of game time preceding the competition responsible for an underwhelming showing?
Gideon Mensah (5.5/10)
Mensah made just one appearance in Qatar, replacing Baba Rahman as left-back versus South Korea and was involved in the move leading to Mohammed Kudus’ winning goal.
Denis Odoi (N/A)
Came on for the final 13 minutes against South Korea. The Club Brugge right-back did not play enough minutes in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
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Midfielders
Thomas Partey (8/10)
The Arsenal man somehow got criticism despite a good individual showing at the World Cup.
No player played more passes into the final third (18), played more progressive passes (14) or was involved in more open-play involvements leading to shot attempts.
Only Kudus made more ball recoveries than Partey (22-21), further suggesting the Partey reprimand was unwarranted.
Mohammed Kudus (8.5/10)
Undoubtedly Ghana’s best player in Qatar, the Ajax man was arguably the team’s entire attacking strategy at times.
He was involved in their first goal against Portugal and netted twice in the 3-2 win over the South Koreans.
No Black Star outshone Kudus.
Salis Abdul Samed (6.5/10)
The midfielder had a shaky start against Uruguay but recovered versus South Korea and Portugal to produce an acceptable showing at the World Cup.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (5/10)
The Freiburg attacking midfielder played every game, with all three being cameos. Barely got involved.
Elisha Owusu (N/A)
Owusu played no part in Qatar.
Forwards
Jordan Ayew (7/10)
Even though the Crystal Palace man was culpable in one of Portugal’s goals in the 3-2 defeat, he was instrumental in all three goals the Black Stars scored vs the Taegeuk Warriors. Indeed, his assist for Kudus’ first was arguably the assist of the group phase.
It was also Jordan’s shot against Uruguay that led to the chaos that ensued before the Ajax man won the ill-fated penalty that was not converted.
Andre Ayew (5.5/10)
Ghana’s 2022 World Cup may be remembered for Andre’s tame first-half penalty against Uruguay, as it potentially denied the West Africans qualification.
The forward scored Africa’s first goal of the competition against Portugal but that turned out to be the high of his participation in Qatar.
Inaki Williams (5/10)
The Athletic Club forward struggled in front of goal, with his slip against Portugal at the death costing an equaliser and a miscue against South Korea almost costing a winner.
Williams has never been prolific, so his failure to score in Qatar was not especially surprising.
Kamaldeen Sulemana (5/10)
Sulemana impressed at the finals with his ball-carrying and dribbling. Unfortunately could not instigate a comeback against Uruguay despite coming on for 45 minutes.
Osman Bukari (5.5/10)
The wide attacker halved the deficit against Portugal but it was not to be. Against the South Americans, Bukari came on for Andre Ayew after halftime but could not bring about a turnaround.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (N/A)
Issahaku played only a minute in Qatar, coming on in the closing stages of the 2-0 defeat by Uruguay.
Daniel Afriyie (N/A)
The teenager was unused in all three games.
Kamal Sowah (N/A)
Was one of seven players who did not get on the pitch for Otto Addo.
Getty Images
Manager
Otto Addo (6/10)
While Ghana’s play appeared chaotic at times and Addo’s team struggled to control games in many instances, they came within a Williams leveller versus the Selecao or an Andre Ayew penalty conversion to secure progress to the last 16.
That said, an egregious call to withdraw Kudus in the loss at the hands of the Selecao was ill-timed even if the Ajax man had already been booked.
The 47-year-old resigned in the aftermath but he probably wonders what might have been.
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Shortly after Ghana’s 0-2 defeat to Uruguay in the final Group H encounter in Qatar, a stern-looking Otto Addo appeared at the post-match press conference willing to badly get something off his chest.
After being introduced to the press, Otto minced no words after a journalist asked if he was going to step down. He answered “I will step down from my position as it was agreed on in May” He was clear in his mind that the news will be no surprise to his employers having stated in many ways before the World Cup that he was still committed to his role at German giants Borussia Dortmund. For the record Otto Addo is a talent coach and second assistant at Dortmund.
He will explain details of his resignation at a presser a day after, but amidst Ghana’s rough 2022 World Cup post-mortem it’s worth noting that Addo left behind a squad that has the potential to reach unthinkable heights in the coming years.
Coming in at such a tricky time, 26 days prior to announcing Otto as Interim Ghana coach ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, the Black Stars had just put up their worst performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. In Garoua, the Black Stars lost 3-2 to tiny Comoros and rounded up their tournament without recording a win in a group that housed Morocco, Gabon and Comoros.
In the stands that night, many Ghanaians were hopeful the Stars could even draw when goals from Richmond Boakye and Alexander Djiku levelled the game up for Ghana, but Mogni grabbed a winner with five minutes remaining. Ghana exited the group stage of the competition in 2006, failed to go past the round of 16 in 2019, but not winning a single game meant that was on paper the most dreadful performance by the four time African champions.
The man who supervised the debacle, Milovan Rajevac, was fired despite his desire to stay on. Next for Ghana was a tricky World Cup playoff game against Nigeria who exited the AFCON competition in the round of 16 but played much better than Ghana. Addo accepted the job with a huge risk of possibly ending his entire career with the big derby coming up – yes, qualifying to the World Cup will make him a Ghanaian hero but failing will surely be the end of his career on these shores – the unwritten rules were quite clear.
He was appointed as an interim manager alongside two-time Ghana Premier League champion Didi Dramani, Aston Villa U23 coach, George Boateng and the experienced English Premier League manager, Chris Houghton playing the role as a Technical Adviser on February 9.
Romance after the Jollof derby
Otto’s first job was to surmount the Nigerian hurdle or be truly forgotten. His employers where keen as well because, missing the World Cup after a poor showing at the AFCON in the minds of ordinary football fans would “mean not good enough” for the job. Ghanaians were skeptic of the Black Stars because of their poor displays in Cameroon. Ghana settled for a 0-0 draw after VAR overruled a decision to award the Super Eagles a penalty in the first leg of the playoff in Kumasi. A review of the decision in the closing stages of the Jollof derby found that Ghana midfielder Iddrisu Baba was fouled before he handled the ball.
In the return leg in Abuja, a long range shot by Thomas Partey ensured Ghana won the tie (1-1) on away goals to book a ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup ticket also meant an elevation from interim Ghana coach to substantive manager for Otto Addo – He was going to be at the mundial with his initial 5 man technical team.
Building a new squad
Ghana’s performance against Nigeria looked a lot more organized but was still far from perfect which meant the approaching weeks and months were huge windows for augmenting the squad.
He led a wild charge by the Ghana Football Association to get international players of Ghanaian descent to switch nationality. Four months before competing at the World Cup, the Ghana Football Association announced five new recruits who were now eligible to play for the Black Stars in Qatar.
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey, who had played for England Under-21s, Hamburger SV pair Stephan Ambrosius and Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer who both represented Germany Under-21s, Athletic Bilbao forward, Iñaki Williams who played one friendly for Spain, and Germany-based player Patrick Pfeiffer a forward at Darmstadt all committed to Ghana. Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, who initially turned down a Black Stars call-up, also agreed to be called by the technical handlers of the Black Stars ahead of the 2022 FIFA Mundial in November.
The extensive scouting will ensure that in-form Racing Lens midfielder, Salis Abdul Samed and Club Brugge’s Kamal Sowah will be called for the competition.
Friendlies games against Brazil (0-3), Nicaragua (1-0), Switzerland (2-0) and the Kirin cup in Japan were not enough. But all the technical team had to do was fine tune the team for Qatar. Ghana arrived at the mundial as the lowest ranked team (61st) and the youngest squad.
What had changed under Otto Addo?
I followed Otto Addo’s Black Stars so closely to make key observations that were consistent throughout the tenure. The regard for time massively improved with a mini schedule released 24hours prior. The technical team and players stuck to the rigid schedule and were constantly on time throughout their stay in camps.
Imposed fines institutionalized by the technical team were so strict that even if one of them showed up late, punishment followed. Upon interaction with some members of technical team who had worked with previous Black Stars coaches, the attention to details and major meetings of the Otto Addo regime was novel. At close gauge, I saw the technical team meet close to 4 times a day while in camp physically to deliberate over many issues concerning the team. Even when they were at their respective bases they would jump onto a zoom call for hours to get on the same page regarding many fluid situations.
There was efficient distribution of tasks among the technical team with medical team reporting the latest on the team’s health daily. On the training ground, I could see the four –man technical team work on different aspects of the team. The Black Stars camp felt organized , with players and the technical team very much informed about what was about to happen next . The usual fun including the initiation dances stayed and the camp was usually buzzing.
Lack of Cohesion – bane of World Cup 2022
While the criticism comes in hard for Ghana’s performance at the 2022 World cup, it’s worth reminding ourselves of where this team was coming from.
The standards for judging Ghana at the World Cup must surely be the maiden appearance in 2006 where the team exited at Round of 16 and 2010 when Ghana only missed out on the semifinals. In 2006, Ghana assembled a squad that had formed wonderful bonds and understanding from their days at youth level.
Ghana’s 2001 U20 side produced 7 out of the 23 man squad in Germany 2006. Derek Boateng Sulley muntari, Razak Pimpong, Micheal Essien, John Mensah, John Painstil and Emmanuel Pappoe were all part of the silver winning U 20 world cup squad and made the cut to Germany. These were easily the stars of the world Cup. In Ghana’s crucial do or die game against Czech Republic 5 of them started in crucial areas – Derek Boateng, Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, John Mensah, John Painstil – and helped Ghana to an important win and the round of 16. The team had formed bonds since their youth playing days and knew each other for well 6 years before the World Cup.
The story of the 2010 World Cup was no different. About half of the 2006 World Cup squad were back in South Africa and with huge experience playing at the top level. Augmenting the squad was a select group of players from Ghana’s 2009 Un 20 World Cup winning team – Samuel Inkoom, Jonathan Mensah, Dominic Adiyah, and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu. Even before the World Cup, the young group had the chance to try out with the seniors at the 2009 CHAN competition and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations under the same coach – Milovan Rajevac. So the team had the opportunity to strike levels of cohesion before the 2010 World Cup began. The results of 2010 world Cup speaks for itself.
Even in 2014, about 40 percent of the Ghana’s 2010 World Cup made the squad in Brazil. So historically the Black Stars have had teams represent Ghana at the World Cup with history and some experience. However 2022 was the exact opposite.
A World Cup too soon for this squad?
Maybe yes, even though many widely believe Ghana could have made the knock out round. Traditional Ghana does a poor job of keeping squads together irrespective of their age group when competitions end up in disappointment. So after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup there was real trouble with keeping a consistent squad.
Ghana exited the 2019 AFCON at the round of 16 stage following a defeat to Tunisia which further destabilized the boat. Black Stars failed to win a game at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroun which was termed a disaster. In a short space of time, the Black Stars had seen as many as four coaches ( Kwasi Appiah, CK Akonor, Milovan Rajevac and Otto Addo. That meant continuity was a headache and the nucleus of the Black Stars kept changing.
So the key issue with this assembled group of players for the World Cup was not a lack of quality or potential but lack of playing time together, quite literally. Otto’s men were many miles off the cohesion needed at such a high level competition. All Ghana group opponents (Uruguay, Portugal and South Korea) were at the 2018 World Cup so somewhat had a squad to fall on for cohesion and team chemistry in Qatar.
The nucleus of Ghana’s Squad for the Ghana-Nigeria 2022 World Cup qualifiers appeared to be the blue print around which Coach Otto Addo’s new team would evolve, but there were more additions and subtractions such that the team that started at the World Cup against Portugal had six new faces in Lawrence Ati Zigi , Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Salis Abdul Samed, Inaki Williams and Mohammed Salisu.
These faces were not accidentals, in fact, they were about the framework around which players where introduced deep into games in Qatar. Otto and his team were unlucky with injuries, first and second choice goalkeepers Jojo Wollacot and Richard Ofori picked up knocks, Baba Iddrissu, who had formed a partnership of a sort with Thomas Partey was also unavailable and meant quick replacements. Time to assemble a team after the World Cup qualifiers was rare.
There were two AFCON 2024 qualifiers against Madagascar and Central Africa republic, a Kirin cup tourney in Japan quickly followed, but largely without key players in early June. The next window was in late September and October where Ghana played Brazil and Nicaragua with still some key names missing. The team had to soon Camp for the World Cup and this time, the full squad including newbies like Salis Abdul Samed and Kamal Sowah were drafted in.
The lack of time to play together as a team and find the right understanding on the pitch was pretty obvious but this squad looks promising.
Pregnant with Titles
Ghana’s best performances have come from a well-knit squad with bundles of experience and cohesion developed from competition time together. The 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments are perfect examples of this.
The composition of Otto’s squad for the 2022 World Cup inspires more hope for the coming years. The Black Stars squad was the youngest at the mundial with an average age of 26 years. It was also by far the most inexperienced side Ghana has ever assembled for a World Cup with 24 out of the 26 participating at the competition for the first time. Only captain, Andre Dede Ayew and his brother, Jordan Ayew had tasted World Cup action before.
The balance of the squad was another strong reason to believe this team is worth keeping. In the goalkeeping department the absence of Richard Ofori and Jojo Wollacot gave Lawrence Ati Zigi the chance to prove that he’s not far off. In central defense Ghana can boast of Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Salisu (Southampton) and Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo) who all good and could only get better with time. At right back, Alidu Seidu (Clermont) who starred at the World Cup shares the spot with Tariq Lamptey (Brighton). Even 34-year-old Dennis Odoi (Brugge) offers an option though he may not be around for long.
At left-back the heavily vilified Baba Rahman (Reading) is seconded by Gideon Mensah (Auxerre) who looked great against South Korea. Deep in midfield the partnership between Thomas Partey (Arsenal) and Salis Abdul Samed (Racing Lens) can be nurtured – not forgetting Baba Idrissu (Mallorca) who got injured ahead of the tourney and the Elisha Owusu (Gent KAA) who didn’t feature in Qatar. On the right side of attack, there’s Jordan Ayew (Crsytal Place), Club Brugge’s Kamal Sowah and Sporting’s Fatawu Issahaku who will get much better with time – On the left wing Kamaldeen Sulemana (Rennes), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade), Antoine Semenyo(Bristol City) are all exciting wingers with pace and enough tricks to outwit defenders in one on one situations. Upfront Inaki Williams (Athletic Club) and Dede Ayew (Al Sadd) can do a job.
Surely this team needs few tweaks and more time to develop the right chemistry. The squad managed to win Ghana’s first game at the World Cup since 2010, and suffered together against Portugal and Uruguay. These are key experiences that help the growth of a squad – they have learnt more about each other the hard way and this is invaluable for team this young.
Keep this group together
Expectation for the Ghana at the World Cup went through the roof after a 2-0 win against Switzerland. But in fairness a squad as inexperienced as Otto’s could only punch above their weight to make the knock out phase. The win against South Korea was inspiring and possibly did wet the appetite of many fans who felt making the Round of 16 was a must.
Yes, Ghana could have finished second and played against Brazil in the Round of 16 but nothing more really. It’s time to stop the ranting and let the planning begin around a squad which is pregnant with titles.
The Dortmund coach took leadership of the Black Stars for six months before leaving.
Addo who qualified Ghana to the tournament after beating Nigeria in the World Cup playoffs announced he would not be extending his contract after the World Cup.
He announced his resignation following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay on Friday at the post match conference.
Speaking to Graphic Sports Kurt Okraku hinted that the country’s football governing body would take its time to consider the options available to engage the key stakeholders, including the government, before arriving at the best candidate for the job.
He also hinted that such an important announcement would not be made before the end of the year, especially as the senior national team would not have any immediate engagement before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola next March in Luanda.
Earlier, the FA Vice-President, Mark Addo, told the media that the FA would first wait for the technical report from Otto Addo to be laid before the FA’s decision-making Executive Council for deliberation before initiating the process of appointing the next national team coach.
“We knew that Coach (Otto Addo) will be leaving in six months, so we do have a succession plan,” Mr Addo told a media briefing in Doha last Saturday.
“We’re just going through the process, it’s a process and you know the GFA works with different stakeholders in this decision-making process.
“Like I said, the first thing is to. get our report in quickly, have a meeting with our stakeholders, including the President, the Executive Council and Government and once that is done, we will make a decision on his successor. So yes, we have a plan,” the FA vice-president stated.
Ghana exited the tournament with three points after recording two defeats and one win.
Following its defeat by Uruguay in the final Group H match last Friday, Ghana was eliminated from the World Cup
The Black Stars needed only a point to progress but a first half brace from Flamengo star Giorgian de Arrasteca sent Ghana packing.
Despite the elimination, PFAG released a statement commending the team for their ‘acts of heroism and sacrifice’.
“The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana wishes to commend the players and technical team the senior national team, the Black Stars, following elimination from the ongoing World Cup in Qatar,” wrote the PFAG.
“The exit has been extremely challenging for all us to take in.
“As the mother body for the professional footballers in the country, the PFAG is extremely proud of our gallant warriors as they represented the nation at its fourth appearance on global football’s grandest stage.
“You showed countless act of heroism and sacrifice, and this gives us all a renewed hope going into the future,” the letter continued.
The four-time African champions will now switch their attention to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Milovan Rajevac was fired as head coach of the Black Stars after Ghana’s disappointing showing at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Cameroon, and the talent coach of Borussia Dortmund was confirmed as the team’s new boss.
Addo however masterminded the country’s qualification to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but has exited the group phase with just three points.
“Before I started to work for the GFA, everybody knew and I said it before that I have a contract with Dortmund and I have to respect that,” he told the Ghana FA website.
“Even to come here, it was difficult and the GFA put in a lot of effort to release me and at the end, they came back themselves to Dortmund to speak to the board.
“And at the end, they decided to release me for this task,” he added.
A 3-2 defeat against Portugal and a win over South Korea by the same margin plus a 2-0 final Group H loss saw the West Africans exit the tournament in Qatar with three points.
Some Black Stars players have turned to their social media accounts to apologise to Ghanaians ,following the team’s elimination from the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Last Friday’s group stage elimination match between Ghana and Uruguay ended in a 2-0 loss for Ghana.
It was the second consecutive time the Black Stars exited the World Cup on the group stage.
Most Ghanaian fans were left disappointed after an impressive performance against South Korea in the second group match which the team won 3-2.
The game against Uruguay was declared a revenge match after the first meeting between the two sides 12 years ago.
The South American side denied Ghana a semi-final berth in that competition following a Luis Suarez handball and a resultant penalty kick missed by Asamoah Gyan.
Despite the promises to beat Uruguay in the final group game the Black Stars succumb to another defeat.
After the game, Black Stars captain Andre Ayew and some players have apologized and also thanked the fans for the support during the tournament.
The Ghana Football Association were the first to issue the apology after the team’s exit from the competition.
“We regret our inability to progress to the knockout phase of the competition and offer our profound apologies to the government, the people of Ghana and all stakeholders across the globe.
“We believe that valuable lessons have been learnt from our qualification and participation in the tournament and aim to continue with the positives going into the future”.
Dede Ayew
Our final group match result was not what we were looking forward to in the tournament,but unfortunately, it ended up this way.
I am very, very proud of all teammates for putting up a wonderful team spirit on and off the pitch, off the pitch, for our country Ghana.
Personally, it’s has been difficult moments for me in the past few days. I lost my godson the morning before the Portugal game and my daughter was also rushed to the hospital after the Uruguay game. Thanks to the Almighty Allah she is getting better. These difficult moments will inspire me come back stronger and better in the future, and so I believe with the Black Stars
Thomas Partey
It was our biggest wish to give Ghanaians something to cheer about but unfortunately it didn’t go as we wanted.
I want to say a huge thank you for the unconditional support from home and across the world.
With the support of God we will come back stronger.🙏
Osman Bukari
I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me to serve my country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hard to accept we couldn’t go far. Lessons have been learnt. Thank you Ghana for your immense support and love. I fervently believe we’ll come back stronger!
Tariq Lamptey
I thank God for this moment and the opportunity we have been given, we would have liked things to have turned out differently but Godstiming is best. We’ll use this as more motivation and work even harder.
A big thank you to everyone for all the support, really appreciate it.
Alidu Seidu
I want to give glory to Allah for allowing me to represent the colors of 🇬🇭 one of the greatest Gift football has given me.Sad the goal was not achieved but alhamdulillah. Thanks to everyone who supported me and the team 🇬🇭
Daniel Amartey says due to the history between the Ghana and Uruguay at the World Cup, it was it was important for the Black Stars to deny the South Americans a place in the round of 16.
Ghana skipper Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute as his kick was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet following a foul on Mohammed Kudus.
Uruguay went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Giorgio de Arrascaeta in the 26th and 32nd minutes of the game but it was not enough as teams went out of the tournament.
“I just told my teammates: ‘We need a goal but they also need a goal. So we have to defend for ourselves so that if we can’t go, they don’t go,” Amartey said after the game.
“For me, yes. It was tough because you can see their centre back, everybody comes (forward).
“Uruguay needed one goal to go through but you can see we defended four against five or three against two but we managed to defend.”
Contrary to claims that some players were selected for the World Cup upon the request of Kurt Okraku, Otto Addo who resigned as Black Stars coach less than an hour after Ghana’s defeat has refuted that claim.
According to the Borussia Dortmund assistant coach, Kurt Okraku gave him free hands to do the work as he deemed fit and he is grateful for the trust and the opportunity to serve.
“I want to thank the President Kurt Okraku for giving me this chance and for letting me do my work the way I wanted, I really appreciate this. This was the best circumstance I would like to work,” Otto Addo said at his post-match conference quoted by footballghana.com.
“We have to thank the Almighty God for giving us this opportunity and for giving us a team like this. I am very, very proud of the boys, they gave their all. Sometimes it’s bad luck, this is also part of football.”
“I would like to thank the whole technical staff for supporting me in the best way they could. This was a really solid and loyal unit, everybody worked a lot, nobody sees this. There was a lot of work behind the scenes preparing for this World Cup and also preparing for the qualification,” he added.
Otto Addo supervised 12 games as the head coach of the Black Stars since he was appointed as the interim manager to lead the team for the FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in March 2022.
He won three out of the 12 games, lost five, and drew the remaining four matches which include the doubleheader against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
At the post-match conference, the Germany-based trainer announced he has stepped down as coach of the Black Stars to concentrate on his role as the talent development coach of Dortmund.
Ghana international, Elisha Owusu, says the Black Stars will look to playwith more hunger in their next assignment following their elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars suffered a group-stage exit in Qatar following their 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final group game at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, December 2.
Ghana needed a draw to stand a chance of progress from the group heading into the final game but that result proved a difficult task as they succumbed to defeat.
Reacting to the exit, Owusu, who was one of six not to have gotten any minutes from the three games, said the team will be back better than ever while also thanking the fans for their support.
“First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge and thank our great fans for their consistently amazing support throughout the tournament,” he wrote on his Instagram page.
“Although we were not able to qualify, I am proud of my teammates for the hard work they put in on and off the pitch. I am sure with this determination and fight, that we will be back to give the wonderful fans of Ghana the performances they deserve.
“On a personal note, I am very thankful to have experienced the World Cup as this has always been a dream of mine. This would not be possible without God, which is why I am always grateful. I will continue to put in the hours off the pitch to ensure the future is bright.
“The Black Stars will be back stronger and hungrier than ever!” he added.
The exit from the group stage now means Ghana has suffered back-to-back exits in the first round of the World Cup in their last two apearances.
Before Ghana’s game against Uruguay, the prophet had predicted the Black Stars will progress to the next stage of the 2022 World Cup regardless of the outcome of the results.
But his prediction hit a snag as the Black Stars suffered defeat in their final group game against Uruguay which derailed their chances of advancing to the next stage.
“Ghana will not lose their match to South Korea but Ghanaians must not engage in betting. God’s word for football is not for betting,” he stated.
“Ghana is already in the next round. Even if Uruguay scores the first goal, Ghanaians will, at the end of the match have the celebration. There shall be celebration all over Ghana. God is for Ghana,” he said.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay
This would not be the first time Prophet Badu Kobi has hit a miss in predicting the result of a football match.
In July 2021, Badu Kobi had prophesied that Brazil would win the Copa America title ahead of Argentina but that proved to be false as Lionel Messi led his charges to beat Brazil at the Maricana Stadium thanks to an Angel Di Maria strike.
During the final match of the Euro 2020, Prophet Badu Kobi again predicted that England was going to beat Italy to win the coveted cup.
According to him, he saw the favour of God was upon Gareth Southgate’s men who were set to beat Italy.
“Today, England will beat Italy,” Prophet Badu Kobi said on Sunday, hours before the final match at Wembley.
“I will say it again. That is the work of a prophet. Keep saying what God is saying.”
However, at the end of the fixture which went into extra time after a 1 – 1 score in normal time, it was Roberto Mancini’s Italy who triumphed 3-2 on penalties to win the tournament.
Following a decision to ignore a penalty appeal by referee Daniel Siebert, after a challenge on Cavani in the penalty box.
Players from the Uruguay camp hounded the official, making their feelings known about what they thought of the decision.
But Cavani and Jose Gimenez were at the forefront of the protestation with both players likely to receive sanctions.
According to reports, the duo will be hit with match bans by the world football governing body (FIFA) which is likely to be at the international level.
This means Cavani and Jimenez will be available for both Valencia and Atletico Madrid at club level.
Meanwhile, the German referee has also come under intense pressure for ignoring the penalty appealed by Uruguayans during the clash.
While Siebert has been a referee at the highest level since 2015, the tournament in Qatar represents his first big test.
Given the lack of control he exerted during Uruguay’s game against Ghana, the German is unlikely to officiate any games during the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
The 22-year-old was one of the revelations for the tournament for the Black Stars.
Alidu Seidu was playing in his first major tournament for the Black Stars where he excelled beyond expectations.
The Clermont Foot defender made his World Cup debut against Portugal at the Stadium 974 which Ghana lost 3-2.
Seidu played 180 minutes for Ghana in the matches between Portugal and Uruguay and was outstanding despite the Black Stars defeat in the two games.
In a post on his social media page, the defender thanked the fans for the support in his first World Cup campaign.
“I want to give glory to Allah for allowing me to represent the colors of one of the greatest gift football has given me. Sad the goal was not achieved but alhamdulilah. Thanks to everyone who supported me and the team”.
I want to give glory to Allah for allowing me to represent the colors of 🇬🇭 one of the greatest Gift football has given me.Sad the goal was not achieved but alhamdulillah. Thanks to everyone who supported me and the team 🇬🇭 #QatarWorldCup2022pic.twitter.com/lkHIXfqBOY
Ghana winger Osman Bukari is delighted to have gotten the opportunity to represent the Black Stars at the World Cup and says the team will bounce back stronger.
Ghana were eliminated from the ongoing tournament after losing its final group game against Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra.
The 23-year-old scored his first goal in the tournament against Portugal in Ghana’s 3-2 defeat in the opening game.
Bukari came on as a substitute in the second half to reduce the deficit for the Black Stars with the second goal of the game.
The pacy winger also played in Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Osman Bukari is grateful for the opportunity to play for the Black Stars.
” I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me to serve my country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hard to accept we couldn’t go far. Lesson have been learnt. Thank you Ghana for your immense support and love. I fervently believe we’ll come back stronger!”
I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me to serve my country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hard to accept we couldn’t go far. Lessons have been learnt. Thank you Ghana for your immense support and love. I fervently believe we’ll come back stronger!🇬🇭✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/h6ycddsivV
Social media have gone overdrive since the four-time African champions failed to progress from the group stage.
Accusation and counter-accusation has dominated the major headlines in the West African nation since the team exited the tournament.
But Bayern Munich legend and a member of the Black Stars management committee Sammy Kuffuor has urged the media to be measured by their criticism of the team.
‘’We all agree that this is not what we expected. But we believe in our team so I will plead with you not to point accusing fingers at any player for what happened here yesterday’’ the former Bayern star said in a press briefing in Doha on Saturday.
‘’I still insist we should find solutions to our problem and not to point accusing fingers at any player. We all know that we wanted to go far but that did not happen. Look at what we saw in the stadium and the people who travelled here to watch the matches’’.
‘’It shows the kind of love that people have for the team, we did not take it for granted at all. But its’ unfortunate we lost and exited the tournament. I am someone who can take pressure but it’s not every player who has that heart to take the pressure’’.
‘’These are young players, they need our support, not unguarded criticisms. When I was playing in Germany there was a lot of pressure but I am strong so I took that in good faith and performed’’.
‘’We don’t have to dampen the spirit of the players. We have to encourage the players to do better for our country in future competitions. We need to look at avenues to get better results from here and not to blame anyone, that’s my humble appeal to all of you.”
Ghana lost 2-0 to eternal rivals Uruguay 2-0 to crash out of the tournament in Doha.
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