Ghana's Coaching Chaos: Chris Hughton Calls for Stability Ahead of Crucial Afcon Qualifiers
Ghana’s football scene is in a bit of a turmoil as they prepare for two crucial matches against Somalia in the Afcon 2027 qualifiers. With Kim Bjorkegren, the women's coach, stepping in as interim leader, former head coach Chris Hughton has voiced concerns about the lack of stability in the Black Stars' management.
The West African nation finds itself in a precarious position after losing their first two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia last month. Those setbacks led to the departure of Carlos Queiroz, whose time in charge was marred by inconsistency and uncertainty.
Bjorkegren is now tasked with guiding the team through these back-to-back encounters, a significant challenge given the stakes involved. "When there's inconsistency in how long a manager stays, it's never a good thing," Hughton told BBC Sport Africa. "Players crave that stability, and they want to see consistency from their manager."
Queiroz, who had two stints as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, was first appointed in April and even led Ghana to a respectable World Cup showing, including a draw against England. However, after a disappointing early exit in the tournament, he resigned, only to return briefly before being ousted again following two disheartening defeats.
Hughton acknowledged the potential impact of frequent coaching changes on team morale. He pointed out that players might feel anxious knowing that a coach’s poor performance could lead to their dismissal. His own tenure with the Black Stars was cut short last January after failing to advance past the group stage in the 2023 Afcon.
The former Brighton manager is among five coaches to have taken the Ghana job in the past six years, with the likes of Charles Akonnor, Milovan Rajevac, Otto Addo, and Queiroz also occupying the role. This revolving door of management has contributed to a lack of continuity, a concern that is echoed by many in Ghanaian football.
Looking back, Hughton noted how Ghana was once a dominant force in African football but has seen its standing slip with the rise of other strong nations. "Years ago, Ghana was considered one of the best teams in Africa. Now, we face fierce competition from many emerging nations."
He stressed the need for investment to bolster Ghana's football infrastructure, reflecting on the decline of local leagues that once produced top talent. "The support for local football isn't what it used to be. Players are competing on subpar pitches, and fans are not showing up like before. The government needs to step up and invest in these areas."
While Ghana's recent Afcon history has been disappointing, their World Cup performances remain commendable. They've qualified for five of the last six tournaments, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Hughton, however, expressed hope that the issues surrounding player withdrawals—such as the loss of key figures like Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus—will not persist. He believes that consistent coaching and better support for players are vital to the team's success moving forward.
