AFCON dreams over, focus on World Cup: Sam Johnson advises Black Stars coach

Former Black Stars defender Sam Johnson has advised Coach Otto Addo to prioritise the World Cup qualification, acknowledging that Ghana’s hope of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year is all but over.

Speaking to Graphic Sports in an exclusive interview last Saturday, the 50-year-old football icon said Ghana’s chances of qualifying for AFCON now depend on unrealistic permutations after a disappointing loss to Sudan.

Johnson believes it would take a miracle for the Black Stars to secure a spot in the tournament.

"It’s sad we’re now praying for Sudan to lose their remaining games so we can qualify. God doesn’t work like that because the Sudanese also worship the same God," Johnson remarked.

With Ghana’s fate out of their hands, Johnson argued that the team should redirect their energy toward securing a place in the FIFA World Cup, where he sees a more realistic path to success.

"If we qualify for AFCON, it will be a miracle that has never happened before. Let’s focus on the World Cup and organise ourselves better. If we make it to AFCON, I’ll be surprised but happy," he said.

The former Ghana left back, who earned numerous caps for Ghana and enjoyed a successful career with Fenerbahçe and other Turkish clubs, also criticised the selection process for the national team. 

He questioned the lack of clear criteria for inviting players and suggested that some Black Stars players had become too comfortable in their roles.

"We need to ask, what category do we use to select players? Some of them don’t feel any pressure because there’s no competition from local players. When there’s no threat to their positions, they get complacent," Johnson warned.

The former Accra Hearts of Oak player and coach stressed the need to strengthen the local football system to produce players capable of competing for spots on the national team.

"We must build a strong local side that gives the national team players tough competition. When they know their place is at risk, they’ll step up their game," Johnson added.

Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON now rests on winning their remaining matches and Sudan dropping points, a scenario Johnson deems unlikely.

The veteran believes the team should instead regroup and strategise for the World Cup qualifiers, where they have a more feasible chance of success.

The Black Stars' recent struggles have sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with many sharing Johnson’s view that it is time to rethink the player selection process and increase reliance on homegrown talent.