Black Stars’ Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer Expresses Disappointment Over AFCON Qualification Failure
Newly appointed Black Stars technical advisor, Winfried Schäfer, has voiced his disappointment over Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in 20 years, the four-time AFCON champions will miss out on Africa’s premier football tournament after finishing bottom of their group. The team managed only three points, recording three defeats and three draws.
Reflecting on Ghana’s absence from the competition, which will be hosted in Morocco later this year, the German coach—who led Cameroon to AFCON victory in 2002—expressed his sadness.
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“I closely follow African football due to my experience with Cameroon and winning the AFCON title. I am deeply saddened by Ghana’s absence—that’s all I can say for now,” he told AfricaSoccer.
GFA Strengthens Technical Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made key additions to the Black Stars’ technical team.
Desmond Offei, the head coach of Ghana’s U-20 team, has been appointed to the senior team’s technical staff, replacing Joseph Lauman. He will work alongside assistants John Paintsil and Fatawu Dauda, under head coach Otto Addo.
Additionally, Kris Perquy and Gregory De Grauwe have joined as the team’s psychologist and video analyst, respectively.
The Black Stars will return to action in March, facing Chad and Madagascar in their next set of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
