Sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has claimed that former Black Stars goalkeepers’ trainer Richard Kingson had disagreements with the medical team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Sompa FM, Atta Poku alleged that the disagreement stemmed from the selection of Richard Ofori for Ghana’s final group game against Mozambique.
He argued that while the medical team deemed Ofori unfit for the match, Kingson insisted on the goalkeeper, citing his belief that Ofori brought luck to the team.
“The medical team said Richard Ofori was injured and unfit for the last match but the goalkeeper’s trainer said he is a lucky goalkeeper and that he believes he should have started. This is what ensued between the medical team and the technical team. There was confusion between them,” he said on Sompa Sports.
Richard Ofori has faced criticism for Ghana’s early exit from the AFCON due to his mistake that led to a crucial equaliser for Mozambique from a corner.
The Black Stars needed a win in their final group stage match to advance, having not secured a victory in their previous games. Despite taking a two-goal lead, they conceded two goals in stoppage time, ultimately ending their campaign in disappointment.
Their performance in the 2023 AFCON saw them finish with zero wins, two draws, and a loss in their three Group B fixtures. They began with a 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde, followed by 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
With just two points and a goal deficit, Ghana experienced back-to-back group stage exits from the AFCON, replicating their fate from the 2021 edition.
Following this disappointing outcome, the GFA has disbanded the technical team and is seeking to assemble a new one to revitalize the team’s prospects.