Veteran Ghanaian coach Karim Zito has identified the lack of continuity and consistency as key factors behind the struggles of Ghanaian football.
While the Black Queens have secured a return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time since 2018, the Black Stars have endured major setbacks. After consecutive group-stage exits at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, marking the first time in two decades that the team will miss the tournament.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Zito attributed these struggles to the absence of a structured player development system. He warned that without a proper succession plan, Ghana’s national teams would continue to underperform on the international stage.
“In the past, players progressed naturally through the ranks, but today, we dismantle teams after every competition and start scouting all over again,” Zito lamented.
The former Asante Kotoko coach, who led Ghana to victory at the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, expressed frustration over the disbandment of youth teams after each tournament. He believes this approach has hindered the development of Ghanaian football and prevented promising players from transitioning to the senior national team.
“That’s our biggest problem—there is no consistency. If a player features for the under-17 team, he should automatically move to the under-19 side. You don’t just discard them and begin afresh,” he added.
Despite guiding the Black Satellites to U-20 AFCON glory in 2021, many of the talented youngsters from that squad have yet to break into the senior national team, further highlighting the gaps in Ghana’s football development structure.