‘Defensive-minded coach doesn’t suit Ghana’

‘Defensive-minded coach doesn’t suit Ghana’ – George Afriyie

George Afriyie is a Former Ghana Football Association President

Former Ghana Football Association President George Afriyie has questioned the suitability of a defensive-minded coach for the Black Stars, arguing that such an approach does not align with the traditional style of Ghanaian football.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, he said the role of the GFA Technical Director is crucial in ensuring that coaches appointed to lead the national team understand and complement Ghana’s football identity.

He explained that while playing with a lone striker does not automatically make a team defensive, the tactical approach must suit the quality and characteristics of the players available.

“Playing one-top doesn't necessarily mean that you are playing defensive. You play on the break,” Afriyie said.

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He cited Ghana’s past attacking set-ups, involving players such as Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah, as examples of how a one-striker system could still produce an attacking style of football.

Afriyie further noted that Ghana went to the World Cup with several wingers capable of expressing themselves, suggesting that the composition of the squad did not necessarily favour an overly defensive tactical approach.

“Look at the list of the 26-man squad. It shows that we even went with a minimum defensive-style kind of approach. But that's your coach,” he added.