By Kwame Bediako
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that Otto Addo will remain as head coach of the Black Stars, despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This decision was confirmed by GFA Executive Council member Dr. Randy Abbey, who emphasized the association’s commitment to Addo’s leadership as they look ahead to future competitions.
Otto Addo’s tenure has been marked by challenges, as he supervised six matches in the AFCON qualifiers without securing a single victory, resulting in Ghana missing the tournament for the first time in two decades. The disappointment of this outcome has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, questioning the direction of the national team under Addo’s guidance.
Dr. Abbey, who also chairs the Black Stars Management Committee, reassured supporters that the GFA is not considering a change in head coach at this time. Instead, the focus will shift to revamping Addo’s backroom staff, with significant changes expected as assistant coaches Joseph Lauman, John Paintsil, and goalkeeper coach Fatau Dauda face potential dismissal.
“We think the GFA has made its decision already. The GFA is keeping Otto Addo. Immediately, it’s about the World Cup qualifiers that start in March, and to ensure that the poor trend of results that led to non-qualification for AFCON, we would be able to change course and put the Black Stars back on the winning path”; Dr. Abbey stated on Original FM.
The GFA’s decision to retain Addo comes as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, which are set to begin in March. Abbey stated that the association believes this continuity will help the team reverse their recent poor performance and restore the Black Stars to their winning ways as the immediate goal is to ensure that the team is fully prepared for their matches against Chad and Madagascar.
Otto Addo will continue under his three-year contract, which includes an option for a two-year extension. As the Black Stars gear up for their next challenges, the focus will be on building a stronger team dynamic and improving results on the pitch.
