Former Black Stars defender, Shilla Illiasu, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive long-term strategy to develop football in Ghana.
His comments follow the national team’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Sudan on Tuesday at the Martyrs of February Stadium, which came after a goalless draw in the first leg at Accra Sports Stadium last week.
This defeat has cast doubt on Ghana’s prospects of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, leaving the team sitting in third place in Group F after four matches.
Illiasu, who represented Ghana in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, urged a shift in focus from short-term goals like AFCON and the 2026 World Cup to a more sustainable approach for future success.
“We need to acknowledge that there are issues within the team and work towards building a solid foundation,” Illiasu stated in an interview with Citi Sports.
“It’s time for Ghanaians to understand that we need to prioritize long-term development. Let’s create a five-year development plan and address the problems within the team” he added.
To qualify for the upcoming AFCON, Ghana needs Sudan to lose their last two matches against Niger and Angola.
The Black Stars are set to regroup next month for their final qualifying games against these two teams.
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