African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 AFCON 2025/2026

[SatoPrincess]

Ghanaians are sad about that friendly whooping of ass by the Austrians, their fans wouldn’t be happy with that result but they’ll console themselves in that Nigeria isn’t going to the World Cup.

It's just a friendly bro. I wouldn't engage Ghana in a banter ...

It is agreed that it is just a friendly game, but why can it not be that it is Ghana who are on the winning side?

I would have understood if the team they were playing against were a strong side like the team they are going to play next, which is Germany, but losing by such a huge goal margin to Austria, a country not known to be a football power, shows that they will be weak representatives of Africa in the World Cup.

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany. It appears they have improved since the thrashing from Austria last week. I don’t believe Ghana are weak representatives of Africa as you put, I mean they beat everyone else to qualify for the World Cup. No one handed it to them, surely they deserve that respect. Looking forward to see how they perform in the World Cup.

[Rruchi man]

Ghanaians are sad about that friendly whooping of ass by the Austrians, their fans wouldn’t be happy with that result but they’ll console themselves in that Nigeria isn’t going to the World Cup.

It's just a friendly bro. I wouldn't engage Ghana in a banter ...

It is agreed that it is just a friendly game, but why can it not be that it is Ghana who are on the winning side?

I would have understood if the team they were playing against were a strong side like the team they are going to play next, which is Germany, but losing by such a huge goal margin to Austria, a country not known to be a football power, shows that they will be weak representatives of Africa in the World Cup.

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

[SatoPrincess]

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

That’s BS. I think you’re biased because you don’t believe Ghana deserve to be in the World Cup. I’d argue that they could have gotten a draw if they pressed more after scoring the equaliser. If you’re so confident, I would be happy to bet that Germany won’t make it to the quarter finals.

[Emjay24]

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

That’s BS. I think you’re biased because you don’t believe Ghana deserve to be in the World Cup. I’d argue that they could have gotten a draw if they pressed more after scoring the equaliser. If you’re so confident,

Nope, I don't think he's biased, Germany didn't mean business in that match if you watched it yourself, they were only using it to warm up their feet and stay in fitness. Ghana on the other side played their heart out in that match as though they were in the final round . They actually got a fair score against Germany though. Ghana is no match for Germany, the Ghana of today isn't the same with the times of Gyan, A. Ayew, Mensah, Muntari and others that reached world cup quarter-finals, not this particular squad.

I would be happy to bet that Germany won’t make it to the quarter finals.

What about Ghana, where do you think their campaign would end?

[IceLincoln]

This is the only forum on the internet where you can turn a topic about AFCON into a Politics and Society topic.  

What's wrong with this Moroccans? Today, before the kickoff of that Senegal match Vs Peru, we saw how they entered the pitch with the AFCON trophy they won in Morocco against Morocco. That's a clear indication that they are holding unto it as the champions and are not willing to give it out as instructed by CAF. Morocco in their bid yo do what I don't really understand, their MBA decided to appoint a judicial officer to monitor and document what was going on in the match between Senegal Vs Peru. They claim that Senegal is not fit to celebrate a trophy that has been withdrawn from them by CAF, they say it violates the CAF's clear decision of them returning the trophy and medals given to them. They intend to submit this to FIFA citing unsporting conduct and failure to respect official decisions. Well as for me, I like how Senegal os going with this and them not bowing to pressure from Morocco and CAF itself.

CAS has to repeal the result made by CAF, otherwise, it would be absolute lunacy and set a dangerous precedent where a confederation can change the outcome of a tournament several weeks later.

I think Senegal are right to be proud with the trophy. They did win fair & square after all.

It is a colossal mess up that CAF has put on African Football, the fucking was present at the finals smiling and presenting medals only to go back after several weeks to change the outcome. What an embarrassment…… I’m so ashamed of this ongoing drama.
I Pray the CAS repeal the result made by CAF to save Africa from the mess CAF has put us in. The Morrocan government have really put a lot of pressure on them for them to do this.

[Slow death]

This is the main problem for African football managers:

OFFICIAL: Ghana part ways with head coach Otto Addo two months before the 2026 World Cup.

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2038897873492832600

The Ghana coach worked very hard and took Ghana to the World Cup. because he lost in friendly matches, games that aren't serious, the Ghanaian football officials are firing him and not giving him the chance to play in the World Cup, something he achieved through his own merit and that of the players. They are not valuing him; on the contrary, they are despising him, not giving him the opportunity to coach the team in the World Cup games. This is unfair.

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

[Jostern]

This is a good development, I will keep saying it that the Senegalese are making a mockery of themselves, and they’re not acting like Professionals, how can you be stripped of the AFCON title and you went ahead of celebrating the trophy instead of returning it, and you celebrate it in the Stadium in a French Soil, now Morocco have decided to take legal actions against the French Football Federation for allowing the Senegalese parade the trophy in their home soil, the French Federation shouldn’t have allowed such illegal activities and illegal behaviors to be carried out in their home soil, now they will have to face the same legal action that Senegal are facing to take place, because they’re not the Champions of Africa anymore, they should be returning the trophy, instead of going ahead with this there illicit nonsense attitude, Senegal have brought shame to African football.

France will have to face Legal action now because of allowing Senegal Parade the African Trophy.

[Agbe]

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

Africans Football Federations do not hesitate to fire Coaches. They can remove them at any time. But the results Ghana is getting from the two friendlies and recently do not make sense.

Germany 2-1 Ghana
Austria 5-1 Ghana
And others
S Korea 1-0 Ghana
Japan 2-0 Ghana

With all these results, the Ghana FA thought they will not go far I'm the world cup if they go with the coach.

[SuperBitMan]

Ghanaians are sad about that friendly whooping of ass by the Austrians, their fans wouldn’t be happy with that result but they’ll console themselves in that Nigeria isn’t going to the World Cup.

It's just a friendly bro. I wouldn't engage Ghana in a banter ...

It is agreed that it is just a friendly game, but why can it not be that it is Ghana who are on the winning side?

I would have understood if the team they were playing against were a strong side like the team they are going to play next, which is Germany, but losing by such a huge goal margin to Austria, a country not known to be a football power, shows that they will be weak representatives of Africa in the World Cup.

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

Why do you feel that Germany players did not put in their best in the match did they come to you to tell you this or you just assume that they did not put in their best and that is why it was very difficult for them to win Ghana sometimes I really don’t understand how you people make some statement you forget that football is not 1+1=2, when it comes to football, sometimes it is based on how determined the players are if Nigeria teams are very determined to win France they can achieve it because they have good players. What happened yesterday was determination. Ghana wanted to win the match and I believe Germany also wanted to win the match, Ghana played very well and if they should meet in the World Cup what happened we still happen and don’t be surprised that Ghana may turn out to win them.

[Slow death]

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

Africans Football Federations do not hesitate to fire Coaches. They can remove them at any time. But the results Ghana is getting from the two friendlies and recently do not make sense.

Germany 2-1 Ghana
Austria 5-1 Ghana
And others
S Korea 1-0 Ghana
Japan 2-0 Ghana

With all these results, the Ghana FA thought they will not go far I'm the world cup if they go with the coach.

But it was a big mistake that the Ghanaian Football Federation made. It's well known that many players are severely damaged in friendly matches, and all players want to be 100% physically fit for league and World Cup games. Therefore, many players don't put in the effort in friendly matches. I've seen many teams have terrible results in friendly matches but then beat the same teams they lost to in official games.

Another point is that the Ghanaian Federation needs to open its eyes and use its brains correctly. Ghana is not a contender to win the World Cup, Ghana is not a contender to be at the top of Group L in the World Cup; the biggest contenders are England and Croatia. I don't know where all this arrogance from the Ghanaian federation came from; it makes it seem like Ghana is a great national team capable of winning the World Cup.

Brazil lost against France and they didn't fire the coach, so why on earth did the Ghanaian federation choose such strong opponents for friendly matches? South Korea, Japan, and Germany are strong opponents that shouldn't be underestimated.

[Princess Leah]

Why do you feel that Germany players did not put in their best in the match did they come to you to tell you this or you just assume that they did not put in their best and that is why it was very difficult for them to win Ghana sometimes I really don’t understand how you people make some statement you forget that football is not 1+1=2, when it comes to football, sometimes it is based on how determined the players are if Nigeria teams are very determined to win France they can achieve it because they have good players. What happened yesterday was determination. Ghana wanted to win the match and I believe Germany also wanted to win the match, Ghana played very well and if they should meet in the World Cup what happened we still happen and don’t be surprised that Ghana may turn out to win them.

He's underrated Ghana so much and thinks that beating Ghana just 2-1 is a poor result, if it was that easy for the German team to do they would've done it but they couldn't score more than two cause it wasn't easy. The Ghanaian team might not be compared to Germany but they not weak, theyre not a team to play with giving your best.

 No team should be underrated cause there are msny thngs that plays a role to winning a match and luck is one of them. I can't remember but I think a country nobody expected beat Argentina in the past world cup. Whether Germany played their best or not, the most important thing is that they won the match.

[Iroh]

The Ghana coach worked very hard and took Ghana to the World Cup. because he lost in friendly matches, games that aren't serious, the Ghanaian football officials are firing him and not giving him the chance to play in the World Cup, something he achieved through his own merit and that of the players. They are not valuing him; on the contrary, they are despising him, not giving him the opportunity to coach the team in the World Cup games. This is unfair.

This is crazy.. if the sole reason they're parting ways is cause of the recent loss in the friendly game against Germany, then I'm actually at a loss of what to say. Someone that took the team through all of the hurdles and managed to get a slot to compete at the world cup is then let go cause of a defeat from a friendly game, also from a team that's stronger than yours.
It's quite unfair to the coach to be denied, at this point, the opportunity to take the team he has trained hard enough and got to qualify for the world cup. A competition that lots of countries hope to compete in but didn't qualify.

[knowngunman]

The Ghana coach worked very hard and took Ghana to the World Cup. because he lost in friendly matches, games that aren't serious, the Ghanaian football officials are firing him and not giving him the chance to play in the World Cup, something he achieved through his own merit and that of the players. They are not valuing him; on the contrary, they are despising him, not giving him the opportunity to coach the team in the World Cup games. This is unfair.

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

I understand your point but let be realistic here at least for once. This guy has spent his time with Ghana football team and we have seen what he has to offer so far even thou I'm not a Ghanaian. The decision to let him go at this time is not a bad one. In fact, it's long overdue and I wondered what kept the Ghana football association this long to make this bold decision. I expected the entire technical team to be sacked together with the head coach. Of course, his efforts should be acknowledged but this decision is right step. The problem now remains the ability of the association to find the right replacement.

[Kelward]

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

That’s BS. I think you’re biased because you don’t believe Ghana deserve to be in the World Cup. I’d argue that they could have gotten a draw if they pressed more after scoring the equaliser. If you’re so confident, I would be happy to bet that Germany won’t make it to the quarter finals.

Unfortunately what counts after every games is goals that was scored and who won the game, your team could give a better performance but if they don't have goals and most importantly a win to cap their efforts whatever efforts they put doesn't count for much. I can say that even though Ghana didn't win despite their efforts we should understand that it was a friendly game and sometimes players don't bring their A games and best players are not featured to test them before a tournament.

Just like in betting we can't rule out luck in sports, anything can happen that will change narratives let us not fully judge a team because of a few loses they can surprise you and jump from the underdog to become a favorite to win in the main tournament being the world cup.

[Spaceman1000$]

Why do you feel that Germany players did not put in their best in the match did they come to you to tell you this or you just assume that they did not put in their best and that is why it was very difficult for them to win Ghana sometimes I really don’t understand how you people make some statement you forget that football is not 1+1=2, when it comes to football, sometimes it is based on how determined the players are if Nigeria teams are very determined to win France they can achieve it because they have good players. What happened yesterday was determination. Ghana wanted to win the match and I believe Germany also wanted to win the match, Ghana played very well and if they should meet in the World Cup what happened we still happen and don’t be surprised that Ghana may turn out to win them.

He's underrated Ghana so much and thinks that beating Ghana just 2-1 is a poor result, if it was that easy for the German team to do they would've done it but they couldn't score more than two cause it wasn't easy. The Ghanaian team might not be compared to Germany but they not weak, theyre not a team to play with giving your best.

 No team should be underrated cause there are msny thngs that plays a role to winning a match and luck is one of them. I can't remember but I think a country nobody expected beat Argentina in the past world cup. Whether Germany played their best or not, the most important thing is that they won the match.

I feel there nothing much to debate about the outcome between Ghana vs Germany game, outside the fact it was a friendly, if it was a game in the World Cup, lot's of persons would have still given Germany the advantage, because they are team that looks more formidable in terms of quality of players more than Ghana. Football is unpredictable no doubt, but this result shows that Germany were simply the better side.

[Agbamoni]

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2038897873492832600

The Ghana coach worked very hard and took Ghana to the World Cup. because he lost in friendly matches, games that aren't serious, the Ghanaian football officials are firing him and not giving him the chance to play in the World Cup, something he achieved through his own merit and that of the players. They are not valuing him; on the contrary, they are despising him, not giving him the opportunity to coach the team in the World Cup games. This is unfair.

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

No sympathy in football. It is crystal clear that Otto Addo will not take Ghana far in the World Cup. Ghana in the past few weeks has been a mockery. The losses during the international friendlies caused them the shock to let Otto go.

African football dont have a problem. Any country will do the same thing Ghana does. In European football, how many coaches have been sacked even after winning trophies. Why is it a problem when Africans do the same thing? Who doesnt want best for their team?

[Donneski]

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2038897873492832600

The Ghana coach worked very hard and took Ghana to the World Cup. because he lost in friendly matches, games that aren't serious, the Ghanaian football officials are firing him and not giving him the chance to play in the World Cup, something he achieved through his own merit and that of the players. They are not valuing him; on the contrary, they are despising him, not giving him the opportunity to coach the team in the World Cup games. This is unfair.

Unfortunately, this is the biggest problem with African football officials; they always despise coaches. This happens very frequently in teams when coaches win leagues, but when it's time for them to go to the African Champions League, the coaches are fired. They always use the argument that they don't have the level for that competition and put someone in who didn't make any effort, and then they get to the African Champions League and lose.

No sympathy in football. It is crystal clear that Otto Addo will not take Ghana far in the World Cup. Ghana in the past few weeks has been a mockery. The losses during the international friendlies caused them the shock to let Otto go.

African football dont have a problem. Any country will do the same thing Ghana does. In European football, how many coaches have been sacked even after winning trophies. Why is it a problem when Africans do the same thing? Who doesnt want best for their team?

Well, football management will always be about results and how consistent you can be with your team. Otto Addo did exceptionally well with the Ghanaian national team by helping then qualify for this summer's FIFA World Cup but it's obvious that he lacks all it takes to help make them have a memorable campaign. Losing four games in a row is too disturbing to ignore so it's absolutely understandable that the football federation of Ghana decided to sack him. I just hope they get a manager that's experienced enough to blend the team and bring out the best in them in the very short time of preparation.

[Agbe]

Brazil lost against France and they didn't fire the coach, so why on earth did the Ghanaian federation choose such strong opponents for friendly matches? South Korea, Japan, and Germany are strong opponents that shouldn't be underestimated.

You have a very good points but it is not only in Ghana that such thing is happening but the whole Africa. Do you know that upon all the good games Nigeria team has been playing with is this new coach Eric Chelle, Fans are saying that NFF should replace him with a Native Coach to strive the team higher. From your explanation, Ghana would have kept their former coach and work on the players and make sure that all of them is in good fit before the world cup instead of sacking the coach. Well let's see how it going to be with them. June is just at the corner.

[Different patterns]

In my opinion, Ghana were the better side even though they lost the game against Germany.

Do you think Germany played at their best? If you think so, then you clearly have not seen them play.

The Ghanian players were putting in extra effort because of how they lost the last game, and they still lost the game. The Germans enjoyed the physical test that the Ghanians brought; if they were out to prove a point in that game, like an all-important game for them, they surely would have had more goals.

That’s BS. I think you’re biased because you don’t believe Ghana deserve to be in the World Cup. I’d argue that they could have gotten a draw if they pressed more after scoring the equaliser. If you’re so confident, I would be happy to bet that Germany won’t make it to the quarter finals.

Unfortunately what counts after every games is goals that was scored and who won the game, your team could give a better performance but if they don't have goals and most importantly a win to cap their efforts whatever efforts they put doesn't count for much. I can say that even though Ghana didn't win despite their efforts we should understand that it was a friendly game and sometimes players don't bring their A games and best players are not featured to test them before a tournament.

Just like in betting we can't rule out luck in sports, anything can happen that will change narratives let us not fully judge a team because of a few loses they can surprise you and jump from the underdog to become a favorite to win in the main tournament being the world cup.

That's very correct, but you need to know that their fans wants them to make a statement in that friendly match and even though they were to lose, nobody would believe they would lose by that margin (4 goals down) and that's very devastating because how will their fans have confidence in their national team that they re going to go far. Though they can still make necessary changes and be the favourite as you have said, but that margin is very much for a start not to talk of the fact that they didn't even participate in the just concluded afcon tournament. A team may perform well and luck doesn't fall there side, but that point is gone and will never be awarded to them because they tried, it will be awarded to them because they win the game.

[Cyber_warrior]

Brazil lost against France and they didn't fire the coach, so why on earth did the Ghanaian federation choose such strong opponents for friendly matches? South Korea, Japan, and Germany are strong opponents that shouldn't be underestimated.

You have a very good points but it is not only in Ghana that such thing is happening but the whole Africa. Do you know that upon all the good games Nigeria team has been playing with is this new coach Eric Chelle, Fans are saying that NFF should replace him with a Native Coach to strive the team higher. From your explanation, Ghana would have kept their former coach and work on the players and make sure that all of them is in good fit before the world cup instead of sacking the coach. Well let's see how it going to be with them. June is just at the corner.

It really surprising how Ghana had to sack their coach a few weeks to the world cup. It's just friendlies so I didn't expect it to result to sacking the coach. I know they had a poor run of performance in their previous games but they were all friendlies so which most of the teams played against were strong opponent so it shouldn't have been a big deal.

I don't know who they will appoint but when a major competition is around the corner you don't just sack coach anyhow especially when you don't have any better replacement in mind. This will definitely be a blow and I believe this decision will affect their performance in the world cup. They just have to hope the new manager will have instant impact.