By Simon Asare
Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – Mr. Kurt Simeon Edwin Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, expressed regret and apologised to Ghanaians for the Black Stars’ recent poor performance.
For the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars would not compete in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year, which will be staged in Morocco.
The four-time African champions finished last in a group that included Angola, Sudan, and Niger.
In a social media statement following Ghana’s humiliating loss to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, the GFA President urged Ghanaians to be patient as the national squad is restructured.
He wrote, “From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds. Definitely this is not what we want or what we bargained for.
At this point, only cool heads can win, and we, as leaders of our sport, will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem.
“The road to full recovery after normalisation is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win. As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain. We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well.”
Despite Mr. Okraku’s appeal remark, the bulk of Ghanaian football supporters are calling for his removal as GFA President as the Black Stars continue to perform poorly.
The head coach, Otto Addo, has not been spared either, with the majority of fans criticising his lack of technical know-how, which has significantly contributed to the Black Stars’ decline.
The Black Stars of Ghana will be in action in March 2025 as they continue their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
GNA