"GOC President: Kwesi Appiah better choice than Otto Addo for Black Stars"

3rd December 2024

Kwesi Appiah

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President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah has expressed his belief that Kwesi Appiah would have been a better choice than Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars

GOC President, Ben Nunoo Mensah

Despite Otto Addo's initial success in leading the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his second stint has been marred by disappointing results, particularly in the qualification for the

Under Otto Addo, Ghana failed to qualify for the upcoming AFCON, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches.

This poor performance has sparked frustration among many fans and analysts, including Nunoo Mensah, who feels the Black Stars should have considered reappointing Kwesi Appiah instead.

Appiah, who had previously coached the Black Stars from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2020, is credited with leading Ghana to its first World Cup qualification in 2014.

He remains highly regarded by many, including Nunoo Mensah, who expressed disappointment over the decision not to bring him back after Chris Hughton’s departure following Ghana's early exit from the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

In an interview with Asempa FM, Nunoo Mensah emphasized the need for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to look within the country for coaching talent.

He noted that many of Ghana's most successful AFCON campaigns were led by local coaches, and he believes that with the right support, local coaches like Appiah could lead the national team to further success.

“I think that in so many years, Kwasi Appiah has been one of Ghana’s best coaches, and it was sad we got him out in that manner," Nunoo Mensah said. "Also, when there was an opportunity to appoint him again, we overlooked him. For me, because we are constrained by financial difficulties, we should look within ourselves.”

The call for Appiah's return echoes the sentiment that Ghana should prioritize its own talent, rather than seeking foreign coaches.

With the national team in turmoil following their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, many supporters are questioning whether the current approach is sustainable.

Nunoo Mensah’s comments underscore a larger debate about the future direction of the Black Stars. While Otto Addo's tenure has seen some positive results, his inability to secure qualification for the next AFCON has left many wondering if a change in leadership is necessary.

Otto Addo

The GFA's Executive Council is expected to deliberate on Addo's future in the coming weeks.

As Ghana looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the question remains: will the GFA continue with Addo, or will they turn to a familiar face like Kwesi Appiah to revive the fortunes of the Black Stars? Only time will tell, but for now, many are hoping for a swift and effective resolution to the situation.