Kwesi Appiah Calls for Stronger Preparation After Ghana’s AFCON Disappointment

James Kwesi Appiah, the Head Coach of the Sudanese National Football Team, has weighed in on Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling on the Black Stars to focus on better preparation for future tournaments.

Appiah, who previously managed the Ghana national football team, expressed his disappointment over the Black Stars’ inability to progress past the group stage.

However, he acknowledged the changing landscape of modern football, emphasizing that preparation is key to success in today’s competitive environment.

“As a Ghanaian, I’m not happy about that, but football has evolved, and every country needs to prepare well for competitions,” Appiah said in an interview with CAF Media.

Reflecting on the group stage draw, he mentioned that he had hoped both Ghana and Sudan would qualify, but unfortunately, Ghana fell short.

The seasoned coach pointed out that football today demands not just talent, but meticulous preparation and strategy.

He explained that the best-prepared teams are often the ones that emerge victorious, regardless of the star power on their rosters. This, according to Appiah, is a crucial lesson for Ghana moving forward.

Despite the setback, Appiah’s message is one of optimism.

He encouraged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Black Stars to take this disappointment as an opportunity for growth.

By focusing on improving their preparations, Appiah believes Ghana can return stronger and more competitive in future tournaments.

Appiah’s words serve as a reminder that failure, while disappointing, is also an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.

For Ghana, the road to the next AFCON might be tough, but with the right preparations, the team can rise again and reclaim its place among Africa’s footballing elite.