Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has distanced himself from growing calls for the dismissal of current Ghana boss Otto Addo, following the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana, four-time African champions, will miss out on the prestigious continental tournament for the first time in over two decades. The 2025 edition is scheduled to be held in Morocco.
The Black Stars endured a disappointing qualification campaign, finishing bottom of their group without a single win—registering three draws and three defeats.
This poor run triggered heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many demanding Addo’s removal.
However, the former Borussia Dortmund assistant has since steadied the ship, guiding Ghana to consecutive wins over Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Akonnor advocated for stability within the technical team, warning against the frequent changes in coaching staff.
“I didn’t call for Otto Addo’s sacking after the AFCON qualification setback,” Akonnor said. “The constant hiring and firing can overwhelm the players and disrupt progress.”
The Black Stars recently secured a third-place finish in a four-nation tournament in London and are set to regroup in September for World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali on Matchdays 7 and 8.