Kwesi Appiah Faces the Sack if Ghana Lose to Togo
Ghana head coach Kwesi Appiah is on the brink, with reports suggesting he will be dismissed if the Black Stars lose to Togo in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday.
According to Ghanaian outlet AllsportsGhana, sources close to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have indicated that Appiah’s position will become untenable should the team suffer defeat in Lomé. The 54-year-old is under mounting pressure following Ghana’s turbulent World Cup campaign and a disappointing start to the 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uganda in their opening Group E match on Saturday, a result that has done little to restore confidence among fans and officials. The GFA is reportedly already prepared to pay off Appiah’s contract, despite extending his deal for a further two years in April.
The former Ghana international, who captained the Black Stars during his playing career, is said to be fully aware of the pressure he faces. The GFA has reportedly been seeking to appoint a Technical Director—someone who would oversee team selections and provide additional oversight—signalling a lack of confidence in Appiah’s decision-making.
Adding to speculation about Appiah’s future, Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac—who led Ghana to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa—is believed to have arrived in Accra on Monday. While the GFA has not officially confirmed contact with Rajevac, his presence in the capital has intensified rumours that a change in leadership is imminent.
Appiah, who became the first Ghanaian to coach the Black Stars at a World Cup, has struggled to win over critics since the team’s troubled campaign in Brazil, which was overshadowed by off-field controversies and internal discord. Although he retains the support of some sections of the squad, faith in his tactical ability and authority appears to be dwindling.
Wednesday’s match in Togo is now seen as a pivotal moment in Appiah’s tenure. A victory could temporarily ease the pressure, but anything less may spell the end of his time at the helm.
Ghana are in Group E alongside Togo, Uganda, and Guinea. Only the top two teams in each group, along with the best third-placed team across all groups, will qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
As tensions mount, all eyes will be on Lomé to see whether Appiah can steer his team to safety—or whether a familiar face from the past will soon return to lead the Black Stars into a new era.
