George Boateng reflects on Black Stars’ back-to-back Group Stage exits

Former Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng has admitted his disappointment at Ghana’s consecutive group stage eliminations at both the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

World Cup & AFCON Disappointments

• At the 2022 World Cup, Ghana managed just one win and two defeats, failing to progress beyond the group stage.


• Under Chris Hughton, the Black Stars endured another setback at AFCON 2023, recording two draws and one defeat, again exiting at the first hurdle.


• Boateng, who worked under both Otto Addo and Hughton, described the outcomes as frustrating given the team’s potential.

Boateng’s Reflections

“I worked with Otto Addo and Chris Hughton, but it was disappointing that we could not qualify from the group phase of the World Cup and the AFCON. Working for Ghana was an honour.”

On his personal connection to the role:

“I always feel I owe Ghana something because I could not play for them, and so when I had the opportunity to work as an assistant coach, I was honoured.”

Aftermath

Following Ghana’s poor showing in Ivory Coast, the entire technical team was disbanded, paving the way for Otto Addo’s return as head coach. The shake-up reflects Ghana’s determination to reset and rebuild after successive disappointments on the continental and global stage.

Boateng’s comments underline both the pride and frustration of serving Ghana: pride in representing the nation, but frustration at missed opportunities to advance in major tournaments.