Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has left the nation in shock and anger.
The frustration is evident, with calls for the resignation of Head Coach of the Senior National Football Team (Black Stars) Otoo Addo and even the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku.
While the disappointment is valid, it is imperative to focus on the future rather than dwell on this setback. The AFCON dream may be over, but a greater journey lies ahead—the World Cup.
This is not the time to allow frustration to cloud our judgment or destroy our collective dream. It is time to rebuild with courage, introspection, and strategy.
Coach Otoo Addo must begin by addressing the gaps in his tactics.
The excuses, psychological games, and pandering to popular opinion must stop. Fans are frustrated because results have not matched expectations, and the attempt to manipulate public sentiment by shifting blame to certain players has only worsened the situation.
The recent controversies surrounding senior players like Andre Dede Ayew, Thomas Partey, and even Jordan Ayew must teach us one lesson: “The job is available” – a popular Ghanaian saying.
Coach Otoo Addo must prioritize consistency by sticking to a core group of players, particularly those who delivered in the last two matches. A stable team will develop chemistry, and chemistry will translate into results. Let’s move past the distractions and focus on building a disciplined and strategic team.
If you do this for us, winning the World Cup is within reach.
Dear Media Colleagues, the power of media commentary on the game cannot be underestimated. Let me recount an example that underscores this. During the 2014 World Cup, Ghana played against Portugal in a critical group-stage match. At one point, Ghana’s goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, made a fantastic save, only for the ball to rebound straight to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored.
A prominent Ghanaian commentator emotionally declared on air that Fatau Dauda “intentionally” directed the ball to Ronaldo to help him score because he has not seen a super star before. It was an inappropriate claim, but the damage was done. Many fans who heard this never forgave Dauda, and his career in the national team took a dive. A moment of emotional commentary turned a hardworking player into a scapegoat in the eyes of Ghanaians.
This incident is a cautionary tale for all sports journalists. While emotions are inevitable in sports, professionalism and objectivity must always guide our commentary. Raising the bar too high with unrealistic expectations or turning players into villains can destroy careers and shake the confidence of the entire team.
As sports journalists, our role is pivotal in shaping public perception and national morale. This is not the time for sensationalism or emotional outbursts. We must be fair, balanced, and constructive in our criticism. Let us not tell our audience that this team, in its current state, can win every match. Such claims pile undue pressure on the players and set them up for failure in the eyes of supporters.
Instead, we should acknowledge the challenges the Black Stars face while highlighting the opportunities for growth and improvement. This will inspire confidence and provide the players and technical team the breathing space they need to rebuild.
This could be the key to Ghana winning the World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association must also accept responsibility for this failure. This disgraceful outcome did not happen overnight—it has been a long time coming. Concerns raised by critics and stakeholders were ignored, with dissenting voices dismissed as enemies of progress. Now, the results have proven those critics right.
The GFA President, Kurt Okraku, must either step down or admit his shortcomings and work to address them. Transparency, discipline, and a willingness to listen are crucial. The association must lead the charge in ensuring that Ghanaian football rises from this disappointment stronger and better prepared.
With this, Ghana could achieve World Cup glory.
Yes, Ghana can win the World Cup. It may sound ambitious, but with a tactically astute coach, disciplined players, emotionally intelligent broadcasters, and an accountable GFA, it is within reach.
Let’s all admit that we are back to zero but not negative —it is an opportunity to build afresh. Together, we can turn this heartbreak into a stepping stone for greatness.
Let us not let the pain of this moment derail the journey ahead. Instead, let us rally behind the Black Stars, demand better from the leadership, and create an environment that fosters success.
Dear Otoo Addo, stop the distractions, perfect your tactics, and focus on building a cohesive team. If you do this, not only will you win back the nation’s trust—you just might bring home the World Cup.
by Ebenezer Madugu, Broadcast journalist, Atinka Media Village.