Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a public apology to the Ghanaian people regarding the lackluster performance of the Black Stars during the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Failing to progress beyond the group stage, the national team endured a campaign without a single victory, suffering a defeat to Cape Verde and securing draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, January 30, the GFA acknowledged the palpable frustration and disappointment felt by the passionate football-loving nation. They took full responsibility for falling short of the expectations placed on the team and expressed their regret for not meeting the standards anticipated by the Ghanaian supporters.
“The Ghana Football Association extends our sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana and all stakeholders for the recent disappointing performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023,” the statement read in part.
In the aftermath of the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2023 African Cup of Nations, head coach Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties, and the entire technical team has been disbanded.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken decisive action by initiating a search for a new head coach. To oversee this process, a five-member committee, led by Vice President Mark Addo, has been appointed.
In addition to the coaching change, the GFA has announced a comprehensive review of various aspects of the national team. This examination will encompass strategies, training methodologies, compensation structures, and the overall team framework.
The Association has underscored its unwavering commitment to the revitalization of Ghanaian football. The objective is to not only rebuild but also elevate the standards, with the ultimate goal of reinstating pride and success to the Black Stars.
“We value the unwavering support of our stakeholders, and we commit to working tirelessly with you to ensure a stronger and more competitive team. Your loyalty and passion are the driving forces behind our efforts to rebuild and elevate the standard of Ghanaian football,” the GFA assured in its statement.
Football Association (FA) has come under intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ dismal showing at the AFCON, with some critics levying accusations of gross incompetence against the association.
Before the FA issued its official statement, a faction of critics had vociferously called for an apology, holding the association accountable for its perceived role in the team’s subpar performance. Concurrently, there were calls from another segment of critics urging the dissolution of the FA.
In the midst of this controversy, numerous members of the Black Stars team have taken to their individual social media platforms to extend apologies for the team’s underwhelming performance at the AFCON.