Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has cast doubt on Desmond Ofei’s suitability for the Black Stars’ top job, arguing that handing the national team to the former youth coach would be a questionable appointment.
Ofei has emerged as one of the names reportedly being considered to succeed Carlos Queiroz, whose short-term tenure is expected to come to an end after the expiry of his four-month contract.
The Portuguese tactician took charge in April following the departure of Otto Addo and subsequently steered Ghana to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The achievement marked the Black Stars’ first appearance in the tournament’s knockout phase since their famous run in 2010.
Despite that progress, the Ghanaian football administration is now faced with the task of identifying a permanent successor as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Afriyie, who previously chaired the Black Stars Management Committee, believes Ofei does not yet possess the credentials required to take charge of Ghana’s senior national side.
“If today we are looking for a coach for the Black Stars and Desmond Ofei is the answer, then we have a problem,” he said.
Ofei has previously been involved with Ghana’s Under-20 setup, and his work at youth level has reportedly placed him on the radar of the GFA as it considers its options for the senior team.
However, Afriyie’s reservations extend beyond the potential appointment of Ofei. He also took aim at Queiroz’s football philosophy, particularly the defensive nature of Ghana’s performances under the Portuguese.
“As for Carlos Queiroz, I don’t like his defensive approach. It’s old-fashioned,” he added.
With the Black Stars expected to regroup in September ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, the GFA faces a crucial decision over the direction of the national team.
George Afriyie questions Carlos Queiroz’s future as Black Stars head coach
The association is expected to settle on Queiroz’s replacement before Ghana begin their qualifying assignments, with the choice likely to shape the Black Stars’ preparations for the next major international cycle.
