Okraku Reveals He Expected Black Stars’ AFCON 2023 Disappointment
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has disclosed that he was not surprised by the Black Stars’ underwhelming campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, admitting he foresaw the team’s struggles even before the tournament began.
The senior national team entered the competition eager to restore pride after an early exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but hopes quickly faded as Ghana failed to register a single win in the group stage under then head coach Chris Hughton. The disappointing run saw the Black Stars bow out in the first round.
Speaking in an interview on Asaase Radio, Okraku revealed he had privately expressed doubts about Ghana’s prospects at the tournament.
“To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase,” he said.
He further reflected on the turbulent period that followed the AFCON campaign, noting that Ghana’s decline continued and ultimately led to failure to qualify for the subsequent continental championship.
“When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON,” Okraku added.
Despite the setbacks, the GFA President commended the association’s Executive Council for taking bold decisions that helped stabilize the national team setup and restore momentum. He described the period as a turning point for Ghanaian football.
“Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves. We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he stated.
Okraku’s comments highlight a candid assessment of Ghana’s recent struggles, while also pointing to renewed optimism following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, signalling a fresh chapter in the country’s football journey.
