The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has faced mounting criticism following Otto Addo’s departure after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that André Ayew, former Black Stars captain and a vocal critic of Addo’s management, vehemently disputes. Ayew, speaking on the Obi One Podcast, voiced a deeply troubling sentiment: the GFA should have dismissed Addo long before the AFCON disappointment, arguing that his continued tenure was a detrimental factor. The Black Stars’ dismal performance in the qualifying group, with three defeats and three draws, effectively relegating them to the bottom tier of the competition, was a significant blow to national pride. The AFCON qualification failure, a recurring theme throughout Addo’s tenure, had already begun to erode confidence in the team, and the subsequent setback exacerbated the situation. Adding to the frustration, Addo subsequently guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 World Cup before leaving his role less than three months prior to the tournament in North America, a period of relative stability in the national team’s performance. Ayew stated, ‘I think that should have happened long before. I think when you’re Ghana and not qualified for AFCON, you can’t call it better. That’s my conjecture,’ highlighting a perception that Addo’s continued presence was a significant impediment to the team’s progress. Ayew acknowledged Addo’s successful recovery by leading Ghana to the World Cup, but questioned whether that justification justified his continued tenure after the failed AFCON campaign. He pointed out that, ‘I know him. I played under him when he was an assistant coach. But after that he was able to qualify us for the World Cup,’ suggesting that the timing of Addo’s departure was the primary issue driving the criticism. The GFA’s decision to retain Addo, despite the team’s lackluster form and the AFCON failure, remains a point of contention within the football community. Ayew emphasized that Ghana’s form deteriorated rapidly after securing qualification for the World Cup, with a noticeable drop-off in performance leading to a series of difficult matches. He stated, ‘The bad thing is, then we had about five or six really bad matches just after and then we fell,’ underscoring the team’s struggles and the subsequent setbacks. Ayew insisted that the Black Stars represent the entire nation and that everyone involved should focus on achieving success. He reiterated the need for a process to win, stating, ‘The Black Stars are for the whole country, and we want to win. But there’s a process to win.’ The 36-year-old has not played for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, adding to the sense of uncertainty surrounding Addo’s future within the national team. The GFA’s decision to retain Addo, despite the team’s disappointing performance, has sparked considerable debate and fueled accusations of mismanagement and a lack of strategic vision. The controversy surrounding Addo’s departure underscores a broader concern about the football landscape in Ghana and the potential for further instability within the national team.”}” ,
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Source: Adom Sports
