Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has suggested that deeper issues, including spiritual challenges, could be contributing to the Black Stars’ recent struggles following their shocking defeat to The Gambia.
Ghana suffered a painful 4-2 loss at the Accra Sports Stadium after surrendering a 2-0 lead, extending their poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The defeat came after an earlier 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their opening two Group C matches.
Speaking on Swiit FM, Polo admitted he was surprised by Ghana’s collapse and questioned the current state of the national team.
“I was shocked. I went to the Ghana FA headquarters for a personal engagement on the same matchday, but I didn’t know the Black Stars were going to play. There were no signs in town, and I think there is a problem somewhere.”
The former Hearts of Oak star believes Ghana’s difficulties may go beyond technical and administrative issues, while also defending GFA president Kurt Okraku from criticism.
“To be frank, looking at the performance of Kurt Okraku’s-led administration and how he is striving to develop Ghana football, things are not going as expected. I think Ghana is being hunted spiritually. There is a problem which must be rectified.”
Polo insisted that Okraku should not be blamed for the Black Stars’ poor results, arguing that the GFA president has been working to improve Ghana football.
“Kurt Okraku is performing; he is not the problem, and I must be honest. I have been in the game since 1972, and I think Ghana football is rich now under Kurt.”
The 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner also questioned why Okraku should take responsibility for club performances in continental competitions.
“Just recently, Medeama and Nations FC were eliminated from the African club competitions. You fault Kurt Okraku for what? Is he a footballer?”
The Black Stars remain bottom of Group C after losing their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers and must quickly recover to keep their qualification hopes alive.
