Ghana’s Next Coach: 3 Favourites Emerge, Portuguese or Spanish Option Likely
- Three names have reportedly emerged as frontrunners to replace Otto Addo as Black Stars coach
- Among them is a tactician from the Iberian Peninsula, with a meeting reportedly set up in April 2026
- With the World Cup just two months away, the GFA is expected to appoint a coach on a short-term deal
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The race to replace Otto Addo is at a critical stage, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council set to meet this week to choose the next Black Stars coach.
The meeting, reportedly scheduled for April 7, comes at a critical point for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.
With just 65 days to the start of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the pressure is mounting to settle on a new direction.
Source: Getty Images
Addo’s dismissal has left little time to rebuild, and many Ghanaians believe the decision to sack him as manager came too late.
Ghana are due to open their campaign against Panama on June 17, with limited opportunities for warm-up matches.
3 favourites emerge to replace Otto Addo
According to Citi Sports, three candidates have emerged out of the lot, although their identities remain undisclosed.
The GAF Executive Council is expected to review the options and settle on a preferred choice during the meeting.
Seasoned sports journalist Godfred Akoto Boafo reports that the focus is on a short-term appointment to steer the team through the World Cup.
Below is Akoto's report on X:
He adds that Hervé Renard is still the preferred option among those handling the Black Stars, despite his current role with Saudi Arabia.
Another strong contender is believed to be from the Iberian Peninsula, with early signs pointing to former Portugal and South Korea coach Paulo Bento.
The experienced gaffer, one of Cristiano Ronaldo's favourite coaches, is believed to be among the more than 600 coaches to have applied for the vacant position.
Source: Getty Images
Okraku outlines qualities for next Ghana coach
GFA president Kurt Okraku has made it clear what the federation is looking for in the next manager.
"Hopefully, this next one will be that one that will give everyone the confidence. He will be the person with the good record of having managed at the club level and hopefully at the national team level, who would be someone who has won trophies and generally would be someone who will bring confidence to the changing room," he said.
Ghanasoccernet reported that the April 7 meeting is widely being seen as a turning point, as the GFA moves to restore stability and belief within the squad ahead of the global showpiece.
The Black Stars are expected to regroup in May for a friendly against Mexico before wrapping up their preparations with another test against Wales on June 2, according to Flashscore.
Ex-Ghana captain snubs Black Stars job
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Charles Kwabla Akonnor had ruled himself out of replacing Otto Addo as Black Stars coach.
The former Ghana captain, now managing a top club in Kenya, had been linked with the role alongside a number of other local tacticians.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
