Five talking points from Ghana’s costly defeat to Sudan in Libya

Ghana fell to a 2-0 defeat to Sudan on Tuesday, a result which may well have ended the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mathematically, Ghana is not out yet, but they can only qualify with wins in their last two games against Angola and Niger, plus a huge favour from Sudan, who must fail to win their remaining matches. Sudan needs just a draw to qualify, joining Angola, who has already secured their spot.

Here are five talking points;

Kwesi Appiah Silences Ghanaian Critics

Kwesi Appiah knew he had a lot to prove to Ghanaians, especially his biggest critics, when the draw was made. He remained calm, but on the field over the two legs, his players were anything but. They were aggressive, played with more passion and purpose, and wanted it more. They aimed for a draw in Accra and a win at home, and they got both. While Appiah has previously been Ghana’s coach, this result may mean more to him. It’s a statement win, a victory that puts him back into Ghana’s coaching picture. His name will no doubt be among the contenders if the Black Stars’ coaching job becomes vacant.

Otto Addo’s Job Under Threat

Otto Addo’s job is now under real threat after this shambolic AFCON qualification campaign. Although he has a long-term contract, failing to qualify for AFCON from a group containing Angola, Niger, and Sudan is a sackable offence. His only saving grace may be that Ghana is still in contention to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which carries more weight than AFCON. But this failure is monumental, and action must be taken. While he may stay, he won’t have the luxury he once did, as every match will be closely scrutinized, adding even more pressure. Should he resign? It could be the best option, but if he’s mentally prepared to stay and deliver, then so be it. This might inspire him to transform the team for the better.

Players Not Taking Responsibility

Watching the Black Stars in 2024 has been distressing. From AFCON in Ivory Coast to these qualifiers, a familiar pattern has emerged: players passing on responsibility. No one plays with passion; they often appear lackadaisical. It was only a matter of time before a defeat like this happened. These players have quality and perform well at the club level, but when they put on the national jersey, it’s one average performance after another. It’s disappointing, and while management, coaches, and others face criticism, the players shouldn’t be exempt.

Black Stars Are Rapidly Declining

Once a dominant force and the continent’s best national team, the Black Stars continue to decline, and it’s happening fast. In 2019, Ghana exited in the Round of 16, failing to reach the AFCON semi-finals for the first time in more than a decade. Then came back-to-back group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023, and now they’re on the verge of missing out on qualification entirely. The 2022 World Cup qualification provided some hope, but even then, the team failed to progress from the group stage. The current state is troubling, and everyone involved should feel ashamed.

 

???????? GFA President Kurt Okraku urges the Black Stars players to deliver against Sudan.

“Die for Ghana or never be selected again.” pic.twitter.com/o7bDyCPgvX

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) October 9, 2024

The Way Forward

This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Ghanaian football. Urgent structural changes are needed, and everyone involved must take responsibility. This isn’t just about the players or the coach; it’s about the nation’s pride. The Black Stars need a return to the energy and excitement that once defined them. Now is the time for tough questions and tougher decisions.

The post Five talking points from Ghana’s costly defeat to Sudan in Libya first appeared on 3News.

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