Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has called for decisive actions against Black Stars players who consistently fail to meet expectations. Daara’s comments come in the wake of a disappointing run for the Ghana national team, particularly in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
In an interview with GHOne TV, Daara expressed his frustration with the team’s recent performances and urged coaches to hold underperforming players accountable.
Players who fail to deliver should not be rewarded with repeated call-ups,” he said, emphasizing that there must be consequences for players who do not contribute effectively to the team’s success.
When poor performances become the norm, coaches must hold players accountable.
Daara further highlighted that if underperformance becomes a regular issue, it should result in exclusion from the national squad.
When it becomes something that is normal for the player, the coaches should let the player know that there’s a price to pay if you come to the national team and don’t perform well,” he added.
His remarks underline the importance of maintaining high standards and ensuring that players are fully committed to representing their country.
The former CAF Media Officer also called for a broader approach to player selection, advocating for the inclusion of players from leagues beyond Europe’s top divisions.
I think that we should widen the scope not only to the top leagues of the world, but also give preference to those on the periphery of the top leagues in Europe,” he explained. “One example that comes straight to mind is Bernard Tekpetey.
For how long will this young lad keep performing well in the Bulgarian league? But maybe just because he’s playing in Bulgaria, we are not giving him preference.
Currently, Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON appear slim, as they sit third in Group F with just two points, a far cry from their usual dominance in African football.
With just two matches remaining in the qualifiers, the Black Stars are under significant pressure to improve their performance if they hope to secure a place in next year’s tournament.
Daara’s comments serve as a call to action for both players and coaches to restore the pride and competitive edge that the Black Stars have been known for in African football.
As the team looks ahead to its final qualifiers, the message is clear: accountability and commitment must be the foundation for any future success.
