George Afriyie Urges Realism as Black Stars Expand Technical Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Former Ghana Football Association Vice President George Afriyie has called for measured expectations following the recent expansion of the Black Stars’ technical setup, warning that an increase in personnel does not automatically guarantee improved performance.
The Ghana Football Association recently confirmed five new additions to Otto Addo’s backroom staff as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. French coach Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren have been appointed as assistant coaches, while Spanish analyst José Daniel Martínez Alfonso has been tasked with strengthening scouting and match analysis.
Carlos Lozano Romero has returned as the team’s physiotherapist after serving at the 2022 World Cup, with British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi also joining the setup.
Despite welcoming the reinforcements, Afriyie cautioned supporters against assuming the changes will immediately transform the team’s fortunes.
“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.
“Having more hands on board doesn’t automatically improve the team’s prospects.”
He stressed that results on the pitch depend on a combination of factors, including player quality, preparation, cohesion, and effective implementation of strategies, rather than the size of the technical bench.
The Black Stars are scheduled to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, fixtures expected to offer Otto Addo and his staff an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess player options ahead of the global showpiece. The Stars will later play Mexico in May.
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, will open their 2026 campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in the group stage.
