Former Black Stars Coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has shed light on the challenges he faced managing the senior national team, describing the process of player selection as "chaotic."
Akonnor, who succeeded Kwesi Appiah as head coach in 2022 following Ghana’s Round of 16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, revealed his struggles during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show.
The former coach of Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak stated that conflicts with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) often arose over player call-ups, creating an uncomfortable working environment.
“As a coach, you draw the list of players you want to use based on your plans. Obviously, other members of the FA will also bring their views on board, but it was sometimes uncomfortable,” Akonnor disclosed.
He emphasized that while he understood the need for collaboration in football, the lack of synergy between him and the GFA made the selection process frustrating.
“It wasn’t a situation where we were working together. It was a mess. When I went in to justify my selections, it was always very uncomfortable,” he added.
Akonnor’s remarks echo longstanding concerns among Ghanaians about the criteria used in selecting players for the national team. Questions about meritocracy and external influence in these decisions have been a recurring topic of debate.
In a related development, the Black Stars are set to conclude their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a home game against Niger. However, the team has failed to qualify for the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco next year.
Akonnor’s candid reflections provide fresh insights into the inner workings of the Black Stars, further fueling discussions about governance and management within Ghanaian football.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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