The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the appointment of former midfielder Godwin Attram as assistant coach to Carlos Queiroz. This move comes as Desmond Ofei steps back to focus solely on the Black Meteors, Ghana's U23 side, ahead of the country's AFCON qualifiers. The appointment was made on 21 September 2026, just days before Ghana's crucial matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Godwin Attram, a former Black Stars midfielder, has played professionally for PSV Eindhoven and Silkeborg IF. Since retiring, he has built a coaching career, including a stint as head coach of Accra Great Olympics and work within Ghana's national youth team structures. The GFA regards him as well-regarded for his contribution to player development and contemporary approach to coaching.
Desmond Ofei had previously combined his Black Stars duties with leadership of the Black Satellites and later the Meteors. However, he will now focus exclusively on preparing the U23 team for the next Olympic Games qualifiers. This change is part of a broader technical restructuring as the Black Stars prepare for the AFCON qualifiers and other international assignments.
The reshuffle arrives at a sensitive moment for the Black Stars, with squad concerns heading into the double-header against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Notably, Mohammed Kudus withdrew from the squad, and Prince Adu Kwabena's fitness is uncertain due to a head injury. The technical team shake-up also follows reports of Carlos Queiroz's contract standoff with the GFA.
The appointment of Attram is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the technical team ahead of crucial matches. The GFA has not specified when Attram will begin working with the squad or detailed further personnel changes. Ofei's shift to a full-time Black Meteors role is tied to Ghana's preparations for the next Olympic Games qualifiers.
The changes to the technical bench come at a pivotal juncture for Ghanaian football, with the Black Stars' results against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia shaping the country's path back to AFCON qualification. Queiroz has spoken of balancing immediate results with building for the future, a philosophy that aligns with the GFA's goals.
The GFA's decision to appoint Attram and reassign Ofei's role reflects the association's efforts to optimize the team's performance. The Black Stars face significant challenges in their AFCON qualifiers, and the technical team's restructuring aims to address these challenges and build a stronger squad for future competitions.
Key points
- Godwin Attram's appointment as assistant coach brings a contemporary approach to coaching and experience in player development.
- Desmond Ofei's reassignment allows him to focus exclusively on the Black Meteors and Ghana's U23 side.
- The technical team's restructuring aims to strengthen the Black Stars ahead of crucial AFCON qualifiers and future international assignments.
