Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has opened up on the recent Black Stars’ abysmal performance in the Morocco 2025 AFCON qualifiers asking the team to rediscover their desire and passion.
The Black Stars remain an enigma. Despite boasting world-class players in Europe’s top leagues, they have faced a string of failures since their heartbreaking 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Côte d’Ivoire in a dramatic penalty shootout.
However, in recent years, it is an even more worrying spectacle to see lower-ranked football countries on the continent challenge the Black Stars without any sign of fear during major competitions and qualifiers.
This situation has compelled caution ahead of the 2025 Morocco AFCON qualifiers, emboldening opponents like Sudan, Angola, and Niger to dream of upsetting the Black Stars.
For many Ghanaian football enthusiasts, the past five years have been a dismal period in the nation’s football history.
Characterised by the heartbreaking World Cup and African Cup of Nations group stage exits, shocking defeats to underdogs, and a lackluster approach to games.
This underwhelming performance is particularly puzzling given the array of talented stars consistently present in the national team camp.
A quick flip, through the impressive roster of top players include Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu vindicates the frustration and anger expressed by millions of Ghanaians.
As they eagerly await the Black Stars’ return to form, which made them a formidable force in years past.
With the growing worry, The FA President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has added his voice to the call.
“It’s sad to see the players perform that way. This wasn’t the situation before. We had great players who would give their all for Ghana, sacrificing everything for the ball. Now, we have talented players playing in Europe’s top teams, yet something’s missing. I think something needs to change in our next matches. Ghanaians want a win.” he told SportsBoom.com.
“l have told the coach, if the players aren’t willing to play for millions of Ghanaian fans, they should say it and leave.”
Many Ghanaians have criticized the current Black Stars squad for lacking passion when representing the national team. They feel the players don’t show enough determination and will to win, even when facing adversity in matches.
“It was a bad result against Niger a few weeks ago. I asked the players how they felt going home after drawing against Niger. Were the fans happy and were they also happy as players?” the GFA capo mentioned.
“A 1-1 scoreline wasn’t the best result and we need to improve that. Come on, I couldn’t believe that we drew that match. With the kind of quality players, we have. No jokes, it was embarrassing.”
“In the match against Niger, it was a Black Stars team that lacked energy, passion and desire to play. I don’t think we can continue like this, it’s not possible especially if we want to win matches and qualify for AFCON tournaments and excel during the competition.”
“The bare minimum that Ghanaians, and I, expect from the Black Stars is a team that plays with passion and a burning desire to win.”
Ghana’s Black Stars, four-time African champions, face Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane in an AFCON qualifier doubleheader. The first matchup takes place tomorrow at 16:00 GMT at Accra Sports Stadium, after CAF rejected the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the contentious Angola clash.
Having secured just one point from six, Ghana’s recent struggles have heightened expectations for redemption. The impending doubleheader against Sudan presents a crucial chance for the Black Stars to make amends and revive their AFCON qualifying campaign.
“This is a pivotal match for us, and everyone knows it. We can’t afford to drop points against Sudan who also needs it having 3 points on the table. The players understand the stakes and what’s expected of them.
“As a top football nation, it’s time for us to demonstrate our prowess on the pitch. We desperately need maximum points from every game now.” he exclaimed.
“We’re all disappointed, and I’m sure the players feel the same. However, this is the time to show them love and support, urging them to embody the identity we’ve come to expect from the Black Stars.”
However, the emotions surrounding the double header between Ghana and Sudan have intensified following Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah’s temporary resignation from his Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council position.
This decision comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requested Appiah to choose between his dual roles to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Appiah’s decision to coach Sudan has sparked controversy within the Ghanaian football community, with some labeling him ‘disloyal’ for choosing to lead a rival nation over his country of origin.
