Former Black Stars coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has suggested that Ghana should retain Otto Addo as head coach, even if the team fails to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Akonnor’s remarks come after Ghana’s disappointing start to the AFCON qualifiers, which saw them lose 1-0 to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium and draw 1-1 with Niger in Berkane. These results leave Ghana in 3rd place in Group F with just one point from two matches.
Despite the poor start, Akonnor believes that the frequent sacking of national team coaches has hindered the progress of the Black Stars in recent years. He emphasized the importance of long-term development over short-term results.
“I’m looking at how long we can keep a coach so that the coach can have an impact on exactly what he wants to do. Whether we win or lose, there should be some continuity,” Akonnor told Angel FM.
He further argued that dismissing coaches hasn’t led to any tangible improvement, and urged Ghanaians to adopt a new approach. “Sacking coaches has also not done anything for us as it stands now. So, it makes sense to have a different direction. As a nation, we must all come together and see it that way.”
Akonnor also cited Senegal’s head coach, Aliou Cissé, as an example of the benefits of giving coaches time, noting that Cissé faced early struggles but eventually delivered results for his team.
Otto Addo, who was reappointed in March on a 34-month contract with an option to extend for an additional 24 months, will now face a crucial doubleheader against Sudan.
The first leg will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, followed by the return leg on October 14 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.
