Ghana FA initiate talks to appoint ex-Morocco and Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard to replace Otto Addo

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has opened discussions with French coach Hervé Renard over the vacant Black Stars head coach position following the dismissal of Otto Addo.

Ghana are currently without a substantive coach after Addo was relieved of his duties in the wake of consecutive defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international window.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, a number of names have been linked to the role. However, Renard has emerged as a leading contender, particularly as he prepares to step down from his current position with Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has confirmed that the 57-year-old will leave his post after their international friendly against Serbia.

The decision follows a run of underwhelming performances, culminating in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Egypt in a recent friendly, which accelerated plans for a change in the technical team. A successor is expected to be named in April.

Sources indicate that the GFA has already made contact with Renard’s representatives as part of efforts to secure a swift appointment.

The Frenchman is understood to be open to a return to Ghana, having previously served as an assistant to Claude Le Roy during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

Renard’s strong track record on the African continent enhances his appeal. He has managed several national teams and clubs, including Zambia, Ivory Coast, Angola and Morocco, and also had stints in European football with Lille and Sochaux.

More recently, he guided the French women’s national team to the 2024 Olympic Games, where they exited at the quarterfinal stage after defeat to Brazil.

Ghana will regroup in May for international friendlies against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2 as preparations intensify for the World Cup.

The Black Stars, who will be making their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, and will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their historic run in 2010.