Next Black Stars Coach: Kwesi Appiah Breaks Silence on Ghana Job After Otto Addo Exit
- Kwesi Appiah has addressed speculation surrounding a possible return as Black Stars coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo
- Addo was relieved of his duties just two months before the World Cup, despite being the coach who secured Ghana’s qualification
- Meanwhile, the GFA has outlined its timeline for appointing a new head coach, with over 600 applicants reportedly vying for the post
Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah has responded to growing reports linking him with the vacant Black Stars job, following the dismissal of Otto Addo on March 30, 2026.
Appiah's links to the Black Stars coaching role come after Addo was sacked after a difficult spell, including a 5-1 defeat to Austria - Ghana’s worst loss in nearly two decades.
Source: Getty Images
Otto Addo sacked as GFA hunts for coach
Addo’s time in charge ended just 72 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the numbers behind his tenure made for tough reading.
In 22 matches, he oversaw eight wins, five draws and nine defeats, with Ghana scoring 35 goals and conceding 28, according to Transfermarkt.
Beyond the statistics, questions were raised about the team’s playing style and consistency.
Defeats to Austria and Germany ultimately sealed his fate, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) deciding during a reported meeting in Stuttgart.
Since his departure, several names have emerged as potential replacements.
Walid Regragui is among the leading candidates, with reports suggesting the GFA is prepared to push hard to secure his services.
The Moroccan coach guided his country to their first AFCON final since 2004 and made history by leading the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022.
Hervé Renard is also in the frame.
The experienced Frenchman is reportedly without a job after leaving his role in Saudi Arabia and remains a respected figure in African football.
Source: Getty Images
Kwesi Appiah responds to Ghana coaching links
Aside from the aforementioned duo, Kwesi Appiah’s name continues to circulate as well, with some suggesting he could even step in on an interim basis.
However, the Sudan coach has now moved to clarify his position.
Speaking to GHANASoccernet, Appiah dismissed the reports linking him to the role.
“It’s not true. I am in Saudi Arabia to monitor some Sudanese players,'' he said.
There had been reports suggesting that Appiah was expected in Ghana for talks with President John Mahama, but he has firmly denied any such meeting.
The Sudan gaffer is no stranger to the Black Stars job, having previously led the team in two separate spells and also serving as assistant coach.
He remains the first Ghanaian coach to guide the national team to a FIFA World Cup, achieving that feat in 2014.
Watch on YouTube how Kwesi Appiah masterminded Ghana's 6-1 win over Egypt in 2014:
Currently in charge of Sudan, Appiah has been overseeing a steady project, including a strong showing at the 2025 AFCON.
That stability makes any potential return to Ghana a difficult decision, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the Black Stars role.
For now, the search continues as GFA president Kurt Okraku confirmed that over 600 coaches have applied for the now vacant position.
Ghana pay price for sacking Otto Addo
YEN.com.gh also reported that Otto Addo’s dismissal comes with a significant financial burden for Ghana.
Although the decision may be driven by footballing reasons, this could still carry a heavy cost for the country.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
