Why is the Ghana football team likely to get your ass kicked ?

The Ghana national football team, nicknamed the « Black Stars, » presents a mixed profile, oscillating between impressive individual potential and structural and cohesion issues.

The Strengths of the Black Stars

Ghana’s main strengths lie in the quality of its players playing at the highest level and in the strong momentum they have rediscovered in the World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana has a contingent of talented players capable of making a difference in major European leagues.

Mohammed Kudus: The striker is often the creative spark of the team, capable of scoring and dribbling brilliantly. He is considered one of the rising stars of African football.

Thomas Partey: The midfielder is a pillar, bringing experience, defensive solidity, and the ability to dictate the pace in midfield.

Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo: These forwards provide a constant attacking threat and are crucial to the team.

Experienced Defenders: Players like Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu provide a physical and solid defensive presence.

Despite the difficulties in the AFCON, Ghana has shown encouraging signs in qualifying for the next World Cup.

The team performed well, finishing top of their group, demonstrating their ability to win and score goals in crucial matches.

The Black Stars’ Weaknesses

Ghana’s current weaknesses run deeper, often pointed out by analysts as the cause of recent setbacks, including their elimination from the 2025 AFCON.

Many observers, including former players, have pointed to a lack of clear leadership and variable commitment from some players.

This lack of cohesion and unity in difficult moments seriously affects collective performance.

The locker room is sometimes perceived as disunited.

Instability and Inexperience of the Coaching Staff

The position of coach Otto Addo has often been questioned. Criticisms focus on his lack of experience at the national level to manage the senior team and the realities of African football.

And his difficulty in harmonizing local and international players, each coming from different tactical cultures.

Add to this a perceived lack of a clear strategy and understanding of the team’s structural weaknesses.

Recent results demonstrate great inconsistency.

A team can perform impressively in a match (such as some World Cup qualifying victories) and then collapse against lower-ranked opponents (such as in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers).

The mix of talent doesn’t always translate into seamless tactical coordination.

Infrastructural issues, particularly the condition of the playing fields (such as past criticism of the stadium pitch), can also play a role in a team’s preparation and performance.