2026 World Cup: Black Stars technical team inadequate despite expansion - Mas-Ud Didi Dramani

Former Black Stars assistant coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has praised the Ghana Football Association’s decision to expand the senior national team’s technical staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but insists the move falls short of what is needed.

The GFA recently announced the addition of five new members to the team’s backroom staff.

French tactician Alain Ravera and Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren have joined as assistant coaches, while Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso from Atalanta FC takes on the role of Performance Analyst. Carlos Lozano Romero, who was part of Ghana’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, returns as Physiotherapist, and Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi serves as Performance Coach.

Dramani, who was part of Otto Addo’s technical bench during the Qatar World Cup, welcomed the reinforcements but emphasized that more support is needed.

“It’s the right decision, but still inadequate in my opinion. The World Cup presents an opportunity for learning and growth, so more hands are needed, both behind the scenes and on the bench. Our teams are often understaffed due to limited resources,” the Hearts of Oak coach told Graphic Sports.

He singled out sports science and medical support as areas requiring immediate attention.

“Sports science is crucial to keep players refreshed, especially during matches. Some members of the technical team must also focus on scouting potential opponents across different groups and analysing various aspects of the game,” Didi Dramani stressed.

The Black Stars are currently in Vienna ahead of a friendly against Austria on Friday, March 27, before heading to Stuttgart, Germany, for another friendly on Monday, March 30.