Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Ibrahim Saanie Daara, has called for significant reforms in Ghanaian football following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will miss the tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco.
The Black Stars’ AFCON hopes were dashed after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda and a 2-1 defeat to Niger in their final group game.
Speaking on Joy News, Saanie Daara attributed the team’s underwhelming performance to inadequate preparation and widespread disorganization in Ghanaian football.
“Our campaign was wishy-washy,” he said. “At a time when other teams were well-prepared, we were juggling issues like where to play our matches, the state of our pitches, and dealing with last-minute challenges.”
Saanie Daara, who also serves as a CAF Senior Media Officer, highlighted the absence of eight key players in the crucial game against Niger, emphasizing the toll of recurring injuries and management lapses.
“While injuries and personal reasons are understandable, it reflects deeper issues in how the team is managed,” he stated.
He also criticized the tactical decisions of coach Otto Addo and the leadership of the GFA, expressing disappointment in their handling of the campaign.
“Toward the end of the campaign, the way the coach handled the team raised concerns. The Management Committee and the Executive Committee of the GFA also failed to rise to the occasion,” he noted.
While recognizing the potential of Ghana’s youthful squad, which showed promise during the 2022 World Cup, Saanie Daara warned that talent alone is not enough to achieve success.
“Something radical must happen, but the radical nature of it must not completely destroy what has been built. We need reflection, careful planning, and better leadership to avoid repeating these mistakes,” he concluded.
The GFA Executive Council is expected to meet on Wednesday to evaluate the team’s performance and determine the next steps for Ghana football.
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