Black Stars lack tactical direction, says coach JE Sarpong

Veteran coach, JE Sarpong has criticized the tactical approach of Black Stars following their two disappointing performances in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The four-time African champions failed to win any of their first two games against Angola and Niger.

Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat against the Palancras Negras in their opener at the Baba Yara Stadium before being held to a 1-1 draw against the Nigeriens.

After the disappointing performances, Sarpong slammed the approach of the players.

"Our team is not serious... no tactical approach. We have to stand up and tell the players that they shouldn’t take us for a ride," Sarpong told Peace.

Sarpong noted that the team’s lack of cohesion is partly due to poor team selection, questioning the decision to prioritize foreign-based players.

"If the league is not good, why don’t we pull a few local players who are hungry for success?"

He urged the technical team to create a better mix of local and foreign players to elevate the team’s performance: "They also give that respect to the foreign-based players."

Ghana, who now sit 3rd in Group F will come up against Sudan in a doubleheader in October.