Former Black Stars head coach Kwesi Appiah has likened the intense scrutiny faced by Ghana’s national team to that of England, following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “Ghana is like England.
If England does not qualify for Europe or the World Cup, it’s a big, big issue,” Appiah stated in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “When you take that job, you must embrace the pressure that comes with it.
Ghana not going to AFCON is a big, big, big deal.” Now at the helm of Sudan, Appiah guided his side to AFCON 2025 under challenging conditions, including operating without a permanent base due to Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict.
His team held Ghana to a 0-0 draw in Accra before securing a pivotal 2-0 victory in Benghazi. The result not only sealed Sudan’s qualification but also contributed to Ghana’s failure to qualify for the first time in two decades.
Appiah called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to undertake a comprehensive review of the national team’s struggles. “The entire FA needs to sit down, analyse, and determine what is really going on,” he urged.
Despite his commitment to Sudan, Appiah expressed empathy for Ghana’s current head coach, Otto Addo, acknowledging the immense pressures that come with the position.
“As a professional, you focus on where you’re working. If Ghana isn’t stepping up, there’s little I can do,” Appiah remarked. “My priority is to ensure the country I’m coaching qualifies for AFCON or the World Cup.”
Appiah, who led Ghana to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ future but emphasized the importance of introspection and strategic planning to reclaim their standing on the continental stage.
