Black Stars ‘disastrous’ AFCON 2023 marketing campaign did not marvel me – Kurt Okraku – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 17, 20263 Mins read10
Black Stars’ ‘Disastrous’ AFCON 2023 Campaign: Kurt Okraku’s Candid Assessment
Introduction
The Black Stars’ performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire left many Ghanaians disappointed and searching for answers. Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has now spoken out about the team’s underwhelming showing, offering a sobering assessment that sheds light on the challenges facing Ghanaian football. His comments provide valuable insight into the internal dynamics and preparation issues that contributed to what many observers called a “disastrous” campaign.
Key Points
- Ghana was eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive AFCON tournament
- The team earned only two points from three matches in the 2023 competition
- Kurt Okraku expressed that he was not surprised by the poor performance
- The GFA president had privately warned associates about potential issues before the tournament
- Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON 2025 but secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Background
The Black Stars entered the 2023 AFCON as one of Africa’s most decorated national teams, with four continental titles to their name. However, their journey in Cote d’Ivoire was short-lived and disappointing. The team managed just two points from three group stage matches, finishing at the bottom of their group and becoming one of the early casualties of the tournament.
This marked the second consecutive time Ghana had failed to advance past the group stage, having experienced a similar fate at the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon. The back-to-back failures represented a significant downturn for a team that had previously been considered one of Africa’s powerhouses in international football.
Analysis
Kurt Okraku’s candid admission that he “was not expecting anything different” from the Black Stars’ performance reveals deep-seated issues within the national team setup. His statement that he “saw everything right unfold before my eyes” suggests that warning signs were visible to those within the football administration long before the tournament began.
The GFA president’s comments about having “private” conversations with close associates, warning them that “it might not work,” indicate internal knowledge of problems that may not have been apparent to the general public. This raises questions about decision-making processes within the Ghana Football Association and whether adequate measures were taken to address known issues before the tournament.
Okraku’s acknowledgment that “instead of us going up, we started to decline” after returning from the 2021 AFCON failure suggests a pattern of deterioration rather than improvement. This regression is particularly concerning for a football nation with Ghana’s pedigree and highlights the need for comprehensive reform within the national team structure.
Practical Advice
For Ghanaian football stakeholders and fans, several key takeaways emerge from this situation:
1. **Transparency and Accountability**: Football administrators should prioritize open communication about challenges facing the national team, rather than waiting until after failures occur to acknowledge problems.
2. **Strategic Planning**: The GFA needs to develop and implement long-term strategies for player development, coaching appointments, and team preparation that go beyond short-term fixes.
3. **Youth Development**: Investment in grassroots football and youth academies should be prioritized to ensure a steady pipeline of talented players for the national team.
4. **Technical Department Overhaul**: A comprehensive review of the technical department, including coaching staff selection and support systems, is necessary to address systemic issues.
5. **Fan Engagement**: Building trust with supporters through consistent communication and demonstrable progress can help maintain public support during challenging periods.
FAQ
**Q: Why did Kurt Okraku say he wasn’t surprised by the Black Stars’ performance?**
A: Okraku indicated that he had observed internal issues within the team and had privately warned associates that the campaign might not be successful, suggesting he was aware of problems that others may not have recognized.
**Q: How did Ghana perform in the 2023 AFCON?**
A: Ghana was eliminated in the group stage, earning only two points from three matches, which placed them at the bottom of their group.
**Q: What has happened to Ghana’s qualification status since the 2023 AFCON?**
A: Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON 2025 but managed to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
**Q: What does this mean for the future of Ghanaian football?**
A: The candid assessment from the GFA president suggests that significant reforms and improvements are needed within the national team structure and football administration to restore Ghana’s competitive standing in African and world football.
Conclusion
Kurt Okraku’s frank assessment of the Black Stars’ AFCON 2023 campaign provides a sobering reality check for Ghanaian football. His admission that he anticipated the team’s struggles highlights systemic issues that require urgent attention. While the failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 is disappointing, securing a World Cup berth offers a glimmer of hope and an opportunity for redemption. Moving forward, the Ghana Football Association must address the underlying problems identified by its president and implement comprehensive reforms to ensure the Black Stars can once again compete at the highest levels of African and world football.
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