Otto Addo urged to sanction underperforming Black Stars players

Former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has urged that players who consistently underperform for the Black Stars should face sanctions.

Daara, who also serves as a CAF Media Officer, acknowledged that it’s natural for players to have off days, but stressed that recurring poor performances should not go unpunished.

“When a player comes and doesn’t perform well, he should not be rewarded with another call-up, though there are moments when a player has a good day or a bad day,” Daara told GHOne TV.

“But 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.”

Daara, an experienced media practitioner, also called for a broader approach in selecting players for the Black Stars. He believes the technical team should cast a wider net to include players from leagues outside the top European competitions.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the Black Stars arrived in Luanda on Wednesday night ahead of Friday’s crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola. Following the match, the team will return to Ghana on Monday to conclude their qualification campaign.

Ghana currently sits third in Group F with two points, ten behind leaders Angola and five adrift of second-placed Sudan, with their qualification hopes now hanging by a thread.