Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has expressed concerns that the people surrounding Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku are not helping him build a positive legacy. Lamptey's comments come at a time when the Black Stars are facing a tough challenge in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Ghana lost their first two matches, first to Côte d'Ivoire and then to The Gambia, with the latter being a 4-2 defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The back-to-back defeats have left Ghana without a point from their opening two matches in Group C, making their qualification for the tournament a difficult task. The Black Stars missed the previous edition of the AFCON, and their current situation has raised concerns about their ability to bounce back. Lamptey, who won 38 caps for Ghana and represented the country at the 1992 Olympic Games, believes that Okraku's position has been weakened by those around him.
Lamptey stated that Okraku has created enemies for himself, and those enemies are working against his success. He emphasized that until Okraku realizes the need for change, many things will continue to go against him. The former Ghana forward also noted that the divisions surrounding the GFA president are affecting the wider administration of football in the country. According to Lamptey, creating enemies affects the work being done, which is currently happening in Ghana football.
The GFA is facing increased scrutiny over the Black Stars' performances and the direction of the national team. The departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz after the defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia has added to the challenges. The GFA is now searching for a new head coach as the Black Stars look to revive their qualification campaign. Ghana's next assignment is a double-header against Somalia in October, with both matches scheduled to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
To improve their position in Group C and boost their hopes of returning to the continental tournament, the Black Stars will need maximum points from the two games against Somalia. Lamptey's comments have highlighted the need for change within the GFA and the national team. The former international's concerns are shared by many football fans in Ghana, who are eager to see the Black Stars perform well and qualify for the AFCON.
The search for a new head coach is ongoing, and the GFA will need to make a swift decision to give the team the best chance of success. The Black Stars have a tough road ahead, but with the support of fans and the right leadership, they can overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. The GFA president and his team must work together to address the issues affecting the national team and ensure a positive future for Ghana football.
The current situation in Ghana football requires a collective effort to resolve the challenges facing the national team. The GFA, the coaching staff, and the players must work together to achieve success. With the right approach and support, the Black Stars can overcome their current difficulties and become a competitive force in African football once again.
Key points
- Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey criticizes those around GFA president Kurt Okraku.
- Ghana's poor start to the AFCON qualifiers has raised concerns about their ability to qualify for the tournament.
- The GFA is searching for a new head coach to revive the Black Stars' qualification campaign.
