Former Black Stars head coach Kwesi Appiah has compared the scrutiny faced by national teams in Ghana to that in England, emphasizing the gravity of Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Ghana is like England. If England does not qualify for Europe or the World Cup, it’s a big, big issue,” Appiah stated in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “When you take that job, you have to embrace the pressure. Ghana not going to AFCON is a very big deal.”
Now coaching Sudan, Appiah guided his team to an impressive qualification for AFCON 2025, despite significant challenges, including operating without a permanent base due to Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Sudan’s campaign included a crucial 0-0 draw against Ghana in Accra and a decisive 2-0 victory in Benghazi, a result that ended Ghana’s two-decade streak of AFCON qualifications.
Reflecting on the Black Stars’ struggles, Appiah called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to address systemic issues. “The whole FA needs to sit down, analyse, and understand what is really going wrong,” he said.
Appiah also expressed empathy for current Black Stars coach Otto Addo, recognizing the high expectations that come with leading Ghana’s national team.
“As a professional, you focus on where you’re working. If Ghana isn’t rising to the occasion, there’s little I can do. My job is to be 100% professional and ensure the country I coach qualifies for AFCON or the World Cup,” he added.
Appiah, who managed Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ future. However, he stressed the importance of introspection and strategic planning to restore the team’s dominance on the African stage.
