George Afriyie Backs Otto Addo: Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, has come out in support of Otto Addo, the head coach of the Black Stars, urging Ghanaians to show patience despite widespread calls for his dismissal.

Addo is facing intense scrutiny as the national team struggles in their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Ghana’s Qualification Hopes in Jeopardy

The Black Stars’ chances of reaching the 2025 AFCON are hanging by a thread following a lackluster campaign that has seen the team fail to secure a win in four qualifying matches. Their latest setback, a 2-0 defeat to Sudan in Libya, has put Ghana in a precarious position. With just two points from four games, the team sits third in Group F, trailing Angola and Sudan. The Falcons of Jediane need only a draw in their final fixture to join Angola in securing a spot at the tournament.

The loss has further fueled criticism of Otto Addo, who was appointed on a three-year contract with an optional two-year extension. Many fans are now calling for his immediate removal, pointing to poor performances and lack of progress as reasons for a change in leadership.

George Afriyie Backs Otto Addo: Afriyie Advocates for Patience and Support

Despite the backlash, George Afriyie has urged Ghanaians to continue backing the coach, emphasizing the importance of stability and long-term planning. Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, the experienced football administrator argued that the national team should not make hasty decisions based on short-term results, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming.

“I am not one of those who will say we have to sack Otto. We have to keep faith with him and ensure that he continues the process he has started, because remember, we still have the World Cup qualifiers,” Afriyie stated. He acknowledged the disappointing AFCON qualifying campaign but stressed the need for the coach to be given time to learn from his experiences and implement his strategies.

Also read: Ghana AFCON 2025 Hopes Take a Hit Following 2-0 Defeat to Sudan

Looking Ahead to World Cup Qualifiers

Afriyie highlighted the importance of maintaining stability within the technical team as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He suggested that, while the chances of making it to the upcoming AFCON might be slim, the focus should now shift to the longer-term goal of building a competitive team for the World Cup.

“In these AFCON qualifiers, let’s accept that we might not make it, and allow Otto to take his decisions and learn on the job as we look ahead,” he added, calling for fans and stakeholders to give the coach the support needed to navigate through this challenging period.

With the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2025 AFCON now uncertain, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to release a statement in the coming days to outline the national team’s future direction. The GFA will need to decide whether to stick with Otto Addo or heed the calls for his dismissal as the team looks to regroup and refocus for the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Balancing Short-Term Expectations and Long-Term Goals

The situation poses a dilemma for the GFA, which must balance immediate expectations with the need for a sustainable strategy to build a successful team. While the disappointing AFCON qualifiers have exposed the team’s weaknesses, some, like Afriyie, believe that the coach deserves more time to implement his vision.

Conclusion

George Afriyie Backs Otto Addo: The support expressed by George Afriyie reflects a broader call for patience within Ghanaian football as the Black Stars navigate through a difficult phase. Whether or not Otto Addo retains his position, the team’s leadership will have to address concerns about performance while also planning for future successes. With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Ghanaians are eager to see a more resilient and competitive national team emerge from this challenging period.

George Afriyie Backs Otto Addo