Kwesi Appiah, the former coach of Ghana’s national football team, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to carry out a detailed review of the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This marks a significant setback for Ghana, as it is the first time in two decades that the team has missed out on Africa's premier football competition. Ghana’s disappointing campaign saw them finish last in Group F, with only three points from six matches.
Appiah, who is also a member of the GFA’s Executive Committee, expressed his dismay at the team’s failure to qualify, stressing the need for a deep analysis of the country's footballing situation. Reflecting on the unexpected outcome, he said, "It’s really unfortunate because everybody thought Ghana would have qualified." He also recalled his time as the head coach of Ghana during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when he confidently stated that Ghana’s football was evolving. According to Appiah, the GFA needs to seriously evaluate what went wrong and address the challenges facing the Black Stars.
Despite his past involvement with the GFA, Appiah stepped away from his executive role when Ghana was in the same qualifying group as Sudan, the team he now manages. He chose to prioritize professionalism and avoid any potential conflicts of interest. “I was told to step aside because of a conflict of interest, and I did,” Appiah explained. He added that his focus is now on ensuring Sudan's qualification for the AFCON or World Cup, remaining committed to his new role as Sudan's head coach.
Appiah acknowledged the immense pressure placed on Otto Addo, the current Black Stars coach, especially after the team’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025. He understands the weight of the responsibility that comes with the role, particularly given the high expectations of the fans and the footballing community. "Once you take that job, you need to add that pressure on top of it," he said, emphasizing the significant importance of AFCON qualification for Ghana.
Kwesi Appiah remains a key figure in Ghanaian football, especially remembered for his leadership during the 2014 World Cup. His call for the GFA to reflect on the current state of the Black Stars comes at a crucial time, as Ghana’s football community grapples with this rare failure to qualify for the continental tournament. The outcome has sparked discussions about the future of Ghana's national team and the necessary steps to regain their former glory in African football.
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