Bibiani GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso has called on Black Stars head coach Otto Addo to drop players who lack commitment as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next year.
Manso’s remarks follow Ghana’s underwhelming performance in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where the team has earned just two points from four matches, putting their qualification hopes for next year’s AFCON in Morocco in jeopardy.
In an interview, Manso, a former Ghana international, emphasized the need for a change in attitude within the Black Stars squad.
He urged the coaching staff to part ways with players who are not fully dedicated, especially with the World Cup qualifiers set to begin in March 2025.
“The Black Stars need a change of attitude. As it stands, chances of qualifying for the AFCON are over, but they will need to change their attitude ahead of the World Cup qualifiers,” he told Asempa FM.
Manso expressed concern about the players’ performances, noting that it’s troubling to see them under pressure to secure victories late in matches.
“It is bad to see them under pressure to win games minutes before the end. I know some of them are committed, but those who are lackadaisical must be dropped because these are the same players who will play in the World Cup qualifiers.”
He also highlighted the issue of players seemingly putting their club commitments ahead of their responsibilities to the national team.
“There must be some drastic changes because some of the players seem to be prioritizing their clubs over the national team,” he added.
Currently second in Group I, the Black Stars are set to face Chad and Madagascar in their World Cup qualifying matches in March 2025. They will return home on Monday to conclude their AFCON qualifiers against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Frimpong Manso