Laryea Kingston has resigned as Ghana’s U-17 coach after the team failed to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.
Kingston announced his decision at a post-match press conference following Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso in the semifinals of the WAFU B Championship on Saturday.
The team’s failure to qualify for the tournament was a disappointment, Kingston said, but he had already made up his mind to leave the position regardless of the outcome.
“I had decided to move on after our return from Russia, whether we qualified or not,” Kingston said. “I have made that decision already.”
Ghana had dominated the group stage, beating Ivory Coast and Benin, but struggled against Burkina Faso in the semifinals.
Kingston, who was initially appointed as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve but felt it was time for a change.
The Ghana Football Association has accepted Kingston’s resignation.
In a statement available to Metro TV, the GFA accused the Ghana U-17 coach of abandoning the team after the loss.
“Coach Kingston announced to the players and the coaching staff that he has resigned.
“He subsequently said same in his post-match Press Conference. Coach Kingston also got off the Team Bus whilst the team was on its way to the Team Hotel.
“He failed to attend the Team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported at the Team Hotel.
“The GFA duly accepts Laryea’s resignation,” the GFA statement read.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Kingston for the 3rd place playoff match between Ghana and Nigeria, the current assistant coaches will take charge of the team.