The senior national team has struggled over the past four years, failing to advance past the group stage in the last three major international tournaments held in Cameroon, Qatar, and Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars’ situation worsened when they failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their first absence from the competition in two decades.

Speaking to Asempa FM‘s Sports Nite, Tekpetey, who previously played for Schalke 04, stressed the importance of developing better strategies to improve the performance and competitiveness of Ghana’s national teams on the global stage.

He emphasized the need for the GFA to get its house in order and make careful, thoughtful plans for the future of the national teams.

“There is still a lot of work to be done at the GFA, and I believe things need to be organized properly,” the Ludogorets striker said. “The leaders must plan carefully for the national team.”

Currently recovering from an injury, Tekpetey remains hopeful that aligning the GFA’s administrative efforts with the team’s on-field goals will set a strong foundation for the future of Ghanaian football. With two caps for the Black Stars, the experienced forward is eager to see the team return to success.

In another blow, the Black Galaxies have also failed to qualify for the 2024 CHAN tournament.

Although Tekpetey has been a standout player in the Bulgarian top flight for the past four seasons, he has yet to earn a call-up to the national team.

His last appearance for the Black Stars was in 2017 during the Africa Cup of Nations.

In an interview with Asempa FM‘s Sports Nite, Tekpetey said that being left out of the squad has been disheartening.

“Sometimes it hurts because, as a player, you know you are playing your best at the highest level,” Tekpetey said.

“Sometimes you are tempted to compare the players called to the national team to yourself. However, I feel it is the decision of the coach to call players who he thinks will suit his plan,” he added.

Currently recovering from an injury sustained during a Champions League qualifier against Qarabag, Tekpetey enjoyed a successful season last year, netting 15 goals and contributing 9 assists across all competitions for Ludogorets.

Since his Black Stars debut in 2017, Tekpetey has earned just two caps for the national team.

Despite delivering consistent performances for Ludogorets in Bulgaria’s top league over the past four seasons, the 26-year-old has only earned two caps for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars.

Both appearances came during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made a substitute appearance and started in the third-place playoff match.

Among the players named in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the June World Cup qualifiers, only Mohammed Kudus has scored more goals (18) across all competitions this season than Tekpetey, who has netted 15.

“I think it might happen because I have a Bulgarian passport, which allows me to switch and play,” Tekpetey told Joy FM.

“They contacted me, but I told them I need to discuss this with my family first. I come from Ghana, and I can’t make such a decision without considering my mom’s feelings. She would be unhappy. I need to talk to her first.

“My mom loves and wants to see me play for the national team. She was very happy when my name was included in the AFCON provisional squad.

“I just didn’t want to bring it up with her yet. I want to stay calm, focus on my game, and see what happens next.”

However, according to FIFA rules, Tekpetey’s two appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations prevent him from switching nationalities.

Ghana, who are four-time African champions are seeking to end their 42 years trophy drought in Ivory Coast.

However, the Bulgaria-based striker asserted it will be difficult for Ghana to annex the title but expressed that with the support and prayers of Ghanaians, the team can excel.

“The AFCON tournament will be difficult but as Ghanaians, we need to support the team. Winning the trophy will not be easy for Ghana but with support and prayers from Ghanaians, the team can excel,” he told Asempa FM on the Ultimate Sports Show.

“In previous years, the Black Stars were loved by Ghanaians, so if we will bring it back I think the players available are really good enough to do something good,” he added.

Despite showcasing good form with 11 goals and seven assists for Ludogorets this season, Tekpetey did not make the cut after initially being named in the initial 55-man squad.

Ghana are drawn in Group B, where they will face record-winners Egypt, Mozambique, and Cape Verde in the group phase.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 13 through to February 11, 2024

The 26-year-old, who did not make the cut for the tournament in Ivory Coast, shared his perspective on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

Tekpetey said he was not disheartened by the exclusion but rather content with his inclusion in the provisional squad.

The former Schalke 04 striker conveyed his belief in the adage “time and season” from the Bible, expressing confidence that if it’s his moment, he will eventually secure a spot on the team.

Tekpetey encouraged his teammates, assuring them not to be overly concerned about their omission from the final 27-man squad.

Maintaining a mature outlook on the situation, he acknowledged that such developments are not new to him, and he finds solace in being part of the initial 55-man provisional list.

Despite not making the final cut, Tekpetey expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity.

As Ghana strives for their fifth AFCON title, they find themselves in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.

The 2023 AFCON is slated to commence on Saturday, January 13, running through to February 11, 2024.