Ghana need a long-term approach to end AFCON trophy drought – Laryea Kingston

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has urged the Ghana Football Association to embrace a long-term development strategy if the Black Stars are to end the country's prolonged wait for another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Ghana, four-time African champions, have not lifted the continental trophy since their triumph in 1982 despite reaching the finals in 1992, 2010 and 2015. Their struggles deepened after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON under former head coach Otto Addo.

Speaking to 3Sports, Kingston, who is currently the head coach of Uganda's junior national teams, said Ghana's pursuit of instant success has hindered sustainable progress.

The former Black Stars winger believes the national team can only reclaim its place among Africa's elite by committing to long-term planning and a structured player development system.

"We are football people, and we love the game so much, but it looks like we're still relying on our past glory instead of focusing on the long term. People keep saying we have to win the Cup, but trophies don't come easily. It's a team sport, so you have to build. Building doesn't take one day or one year. It takes time," Kingston said.

Although Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars' campaign ended in the Round of 32 following a defeat to Colombia.

Kingston insists the answer is not another coaching change but a complete overhaul of the national team structure, starting with the youth ranks.

He proposed appointing a technical leader to oversee Ghana's U-15, U-17 and U-20 national teams while working closely with the Black Stars to ensure every age group adopts the same football philosophy.

"Ghana should appoint one coach to oversee the entire youth system from the U15s to the U20s and that person should also work closely with the Black Stars as an assistant coach. Give that coach a five-year contract and let the U15s, U17s and U20s all play with the same identity. Within two years, 70 to 80 per cent of those players should be ready for the first team," he explained.

Kingston pointed to Spain as a model Ghana should emulate, highlighting how continuity in youth development has helped produce many of the country's current senior internationals under national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

He argued that Ghana must shift its focus from assembling squads shortly before major tournaments to nurturing players through a clearly defined pathway.

"It's time we started thinking long term instead of calling players together only when there's a tournament. We need to develop project players through the youth system. That's how we get closer to winning something consistently," he added.