Poor planning cost Black Stars — George Afriyie

FORMER Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has attributed Ghana’s poor performance in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to inadequate preparation.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Mr Afriyie expressed frustration over the national team's position in Group F, where Ghana lost its opening match to Angola and followed it up with a draw against Niger.

"I am finding it difficult to understand why, in a 24-team AFCON, Ghana is struggling to qualify. In the past, only 16 teams made it to the tournament, but now, almost half the continent will participate, yet Ghana’s qualification is still in doubt,” Mr Afriyie lamented.

The former GFA vice-president, who has twice failed in his bid to lead the football association, warned that failing to qualify for the expanded AFCON would be a significant embarrassment for the Black Stars. 

He criticised the team's lack of strategic planning, stressing that the nation must stop assuming it belonged among the elite footballing nations on the continent if it continues to underperform.

"It is time for Ghana to stop referring to itself as a football powerhouse. If 24 countries will compete in AFCON and Ghana is not part, then there’s no justification to make such a claim," he said.

Mr Afriyie firmly blamed the situation on poor preparation and stated the need for a more structured approach to ensure the Black Stars perform better in future competitions. 

"I can tell you clearly that this is a lack of proper planning," he added.