Former Black Stars defender, John Painstil believes Ghana football is currently undergoing a development phase, which makes it difficult for our national teams to participate in major competitions.
Ghana’s Under 20 team, the Black Satellites were the latest of the national teams to have been knocked out at the group stages of a competition.
They exited the ongoing U-20 WAFU Zone B Cup in Cote D’Ivoire after amassing two points in three games.
In the last eight months, The Black Stars, Black Meteors and CHAN teams have failed to qualify out of their group outings in competitions they have participated in.
However, according to Painstil, the dissolution of football in the aftermath of an investigative documentary by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas last four years means it would take time for Ghana football to be back on the level it was.
“Everyone is agitating about the recent performances of our national teams in major competitions. I would advise that patience is always better when you are under development. Ghana football is not ready, the documentary by Anas affected football in the country. The good news is that, at least we were able to qualify for these tournaments we’ve exited. With due time things would change and we would reap the excitement in the future,” Painstil said in an interview on Happy FM.
He also acknowledged that the Group I pairings of the Black Stars for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup are a tricky one but he is optimistic the team would make it to the Mundial.
The Black Stars have been paired with Mali, Madagascar, Central Africa Republic, Comoros and Chad in Group I for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
They will be aiming to make a fifth appearance after qualifying for four out of their last five World Cups.
By: Ahashie Judeliver Eli
