Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has dismissed growing public calls for his resignation following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The 49-year-old coach faced widespread criticism after Ghana’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium in the final Group F qualifying match. The loss capped a winless run in the qualifiers, leaving the Black Stars at the bottom of their group with just three points from six matches.
Addressing the media in a post-match press conference, Addo stood firm in his decision to remain at the helm of the national team despite the poor run of results.
“I’m not the person who can resign,” he asserted. “If I had done this, I would never have become a player or even a coach.”
Although resolute about his position, Addo offered an emotional apology to Ghanaians for the team’s dismal performances, acknowledging the pain of failing to meet expectations.
“I am ready to apologise. I am so sorry that we did not do well and qualify,” he said. “I am sorry because I know how it feels and how Ghanaians are hurt. I am sorry.”
The Black Stars’ campaign began with a historic 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium—their first defeat in Kumasi since 2000. The team then struggled to find form, managing two consecutive draws against Niger and Sudan before suffering defeats to Sudan and Angola in subsequent matches. The campaign ended with another loss to Niger, marking one of the nation’s poorest showings in AFCON qualification history.
Fans and analysts have expressed frustration over the team’s lackluster performances, with many calling for a complete overhaul of the technical team and a reassessment of the squad’s composition. Critics argue that Ghana’s inability to secure a single victory in the qualifiers is indicative of deeper issues within the team.
Despite the backlash, Addo’s determination to stay signals his belief in his ability to turn the team’s fortunes around. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to comment on his future, leaving fans eagerly awaiting clarity on the next steps for the Black Stars.
The failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON is a significant setback for Ghana, a country with a rich footballing history and high expectations of its national team.
