Former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has stressed the importance of squad selection as the Black Stars prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month.
Ghana’s national team is under intense scrutiny following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will miss out on the tournament. Otto Addo’s side finished bottom of their qualifying group with just three points, failing to win a single match with three draws and three losses.
In the wake of this disappointing campaign, many fans and football stakeholders called for Addo’s dismissal.
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has retained the 49-year-old, who signed a three-year contract in March 2024 with an option for an additional two years.
The GFA has also made adjustments to the team’s backroom staff in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Fianoo questioned the decision to keep Addo in charge, arguing that a coaching change was needed after the AFCON failure. Nevertheless, he emphasized that for Ghana to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, the head coach must carefully select committed and capable players.
"We must qualify for the World Cup, but the coach must select the right players who will compete for the country because we all want to be at the tournament," Fianoo said.
Reflecting on Ghana’s recent struggles, he added: "Our challenges started in Cameroon, and the big question has always been—do we have a coaching problem or a player problem? We have seen changes after every tournament, so retaining Otto Addo after failing to qualify for AFCON is surprising to me. However, I believe the right players should be selected for every game. Players who are ready to fight for the team must be invited, and that must be the way forward."
With the Black Stars set to resume their World Cup qualifying campaign, the pressure is on Addo and his squad. Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21 before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on March 24.
These two matches are seen as must-win encounters if Ghana hopes to stay on track for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
