Former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has expressed disappointment over the decision to keep Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will miss out on the continental tournament after finishing bottom of their qualifying group with just three points. The Black Stars endured a dismal campaign, failing to win a single match, recording three losses and three draws.
Following the team’s poor performance, there were widespread calls from fans and football stakeholders for Otto Addo’s dismissal. However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has chosen to retain the 49-year-old, who signed a three-year contract in March 2024 with an option for a two-year extension. The GFA has also reinforced the Black Stars’ technical staff as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Fianoo questioned the rationale behind keeping Addo, arguing that a coaching change was necessary.
“We must qualify for the World Cup, but the coach must select the right players who will compete for the country because we all want to be at the tournament,” he said.
“Our challenges started in Cameroon, and the question has always been: is the problem the coach or the players? We have seen changes after every tournament, so the decision to retain Otto Addo after failing to qualify for AFCON surprises me. However, I believe that in every game, the right players must be selected. Players who are ready to fight for the team must be called up—that must be the way forward.”
The Black Stars will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign later this month, hosting Chad in Accra on March 21 before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on March 24.
