Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has dismissed suggestions that the Black Stars’ progress to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be considered a major achievement.
The Black Stars advanced beyond the group stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.
Following Ghana’s exit, GFA President Kurt Okraku described the team’s campaign as one that exceeded expectations, arguing that qualifying for the knockout stage was a significant accomplishment.
However, speaking on Adom TV, Afriyie strongly disagreed with that assessment, insisting Ghana’s football standards should be much higher.
“I was shocked when I listened to the FA president [Kurt Okraku] saying we have done well,” Afriyie said.
The former GFA presidential candidate questioned why reaching the Round of 32 is being celebrated, considering Ghana’s rich football history and reputation on the international stage.
“Why do we have an FA president who thinks that qualifying out of the group to the Round of 32 is an achievement? I’m so shocked,” he added.
Afriyie also criticised Okraku’s leadership, suggesting the GFA president assumed office without gaining enough experience in football administration.
“He was a fresher. He needed to take his time to go through the ranks to learn. I think he thought that he had arrived, but he wasn’t,” Afriyie stated.
