Top 10 Biggest Black Stars of Ghana Flops in Recent Times

• Headlining the list is former Ghana No.1 Richard Ofori, whose blunder against Mozambique cost Ghana at AFCON 2023
• Players like Edwin Gyimah, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Alfred Duncan had chances but never lived up to their hype
• While Mohamemd Kudus has risen to stardom, Kamaldeen’s 20 caps has yet to produce meaningful performances

Over the years, the Black Stars of Ghana have produced several football icons who have dazzled on the world stage.

However, not every player who has worn the famous jersey has lived up to expectations.

While some players thrived under pressure, others failed to deliver when it mattered most, despite the hype, promise, or opportunities.

In this article, YEN.com.gh's Gariba Raubil looks at 10 players who are widely considered to be among the biggest disappointments in recent Black Stars history.

1. Richard Ofori – From No.1 to notorious

Once regarded as Ghana’s safest pair of hands, Richard Ofori earned 33 caps and was the starting goalkeeper at both the 2019 and 2023 AFCON tournaments.

However, his nightmare performance against Mozambique at the 2023 AFCON, where Ghana let a 2-0 lead slip in stoppage time, remains unforgivable to many fans.

His costly error led to a corner that Mozambique converted for a dramatic 2-2 draw, ultimately knocking Ghana out at the group stage. That howler defined his fall from grace.

2. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer – The ghost striker

Much was expected when Ransford-Yeboah, the German-born forward, chose Ghana over Germany.

But in four games without a goal, he was invisible in attack. His biggest opportunity came during the 2023 AFCON opener against Cape Verde — a 2-1 defeat.

He failed to impress and never played another minute in the tournament, with many fans barely noticing he was there.

3. Edwin Gyimah – The forgotten midfield enforcer

Between 2012 and 2016, Edwin Gyimah featured nine times for Ghana. A strong defensive midfielder, Gyimah never found consistency or rhythm in the national side.

Despite regular call-ups, the ex-WA All Stars/Legon Cities man remained a peripheral figure and faded into obscurity, a player whose international career is remembered more for its absence than its impact.

4. Jeffrey Schlupp – The disconnected talent

Once touted as one of Ghana’s most promising Europe-based players, Jeffrey Schlupp’s Black Stars career was a flat line.

With 20 appearances and just one goal from 2011 to 2021, his time with the national team was forgettable.

While he maintained a respectable club career in the Premier League, his performances for Ghana never matched his potential.

5. Samuel Owusu – The 'nearly' winger

Samuel Owusu, a wide player who now plays in Serbia with OFK Beograd, made 17 appearances and scored once for Ghana.

Though often lively in friendlies, he never truly convinced when it mattered most.

He drifted in and out of the squad without ever leaving a lasting impression, despite being handed multiple opportunities.

6. Joseph Paintsil – Club brilliance, country blues

At club level, particularly with Genk in Belgium, Joseph Paintsil has shown flashes of brilliance.

But in Ghanaian colours, the winger has failed to register a goal in 15 appearances.

Despite his pace and flair, Paintsil, who is also a musician, has struggled to translate club form into international success, often looking overwhelmed or off-rhythm for the Black Stars.

7. Emmanuel Boateng – The one-match wonder

Emmanuel Boateng’s hat-trick for Levante against Barcelona in 2018 earned him instant fame and a Black Stars call-up.

However, his international career fizzled quickly. He made just 6 appearances, scored once, and never managed to secure a place in the squad again.

A promising debut turned into a brief cameo when many Ghanaians tipped him to be the next Asamoah Gyan.

8. Alfred Duncan – Serie A hype that never delivered

Highly rated during his time in Italy, Alfred Duncan made 10 appearances for Ghana between 2012 and 2017.

But expectations based on his Serie A status never materialised on the pitch in the colours of the Black Stars.

His performances were average at best, failing to provide the dynamism or creativity expected of a top-level midfielder.

9. Joseph Attamah Laweh – First chance, Huge mistake

Joseph Attamah Laweh’s international career is largely remembered for one game - Ghana’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo in Kumasi in September 2017.

He started the match but made a critical error that led to Congo’s goal. Although Ghana salvaged a draw thanks to Thomas Partey’s late equaliser, Laweh was never handed any big chance again.

10. Kamaldeen Sulemana – The unfulfilled promise

Since making his debut in 2020, Kamaldeen Sulemana has earned 20 caps for the Ghana national football team

But unlike fellow young star Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen has underwhelmed in Ghana colours.

His dribbling flair and raw talent have rarely translated into end products. For all his pace and potential, the winger is yet to justify the hype surrounding his name.

Kamaldeen must improve if he is to remain relevant in the Black Stars, especially if the team makes it to the 2026 World Cup, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams recently promising big rewards.

Top 10 Ghanaian players who never reached expected levels

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the rankings of the 10 most talented Ghanaian footballers who failed to reach their full capabilities.

The list included popular names such as Ransford Osei, Dominic Adiyiah, and Sadick Adams, as well as other former famous Ghana youth internationals.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh