Ghana legend George Alhassan has placed the blame for the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squarely on the technical team, led by Otto Addo, absolving the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of responsibility.

Alhassan, a member of Ghana's 1982 AFCON-winning squad, expressed his views following the Black Stars' dismal qualifying campaign. For the first time since 2004, Ghana failed to qualify for the tournament, finishing bottom of their group without a single win – a first in the country’s AFCON qualifying history.

Despite widespread criticism of the GFA and accusations of a lack of commitment from the players, Alhassan insists the blame lies with the technical team.

“They [players] are committed. In our case, I don’t think we have a good coach, because if you have a good coach, things like this wouldn’t happen. So, in this particular issue, it’s the coaching staff,” Alhassan told Citi Sports.

“For me, I won’t blame the GFA or other people; it’s the technical team. No player will wear a jersey and want to go and disgrace himself. For me, I believe it’s the coaches,” he added.

For the first time in 20 years, Ghana will not compete in the AFCON, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2025.

Despite the technical team’s underperformance, the GFA has yet to make a definitive decision about the future of head coach Otto Addo and his team.

Following an Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, JoySports understands Otto Addo could retain his position, despite the Black Stars’ historic failure to secure qualification.