Sports

‘We were determined to restore pride of Black Stars’ – Randy Abbey

Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, says his team took charge at a time when Ghanaian football was at one of its lowest points, but was determined to rebuild confidence in the national team.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the first in over twenty years—had left fans disillusioned and shaken. The Black Stars finished bottom of their group with just three points, a result that led to the dismissal of the committee then led by Mark Addo, Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

To reset the team’s direction, a new management committee was appointed, headed by Dr. Abbey, with Stephen Appiah as Vice Chairman and Moses Armah, Samuel Aboabire, and Dr. Richard Nsenkyire as members.

Under their leadership, the national team rediscovered its rhythm, ultimately securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dr. Abbey said the situation they inherited demanded courage and conviction.

“It was a difficult time when we accepted to work as the Black Stars Management Committee, especially having failed to qualify for the AFCON. But we knew we could turn it around once we had the backing of President John Mahama and Sports Minister Kofi Adams,” he said.

He revealed that one of their first steps was to reorganize the technical structure of the team to rebuild its competitive edge.

“We made certain adjustments to the technical team because we believed it would yield results given the experience and resources available. Missing out on the AFCON was painful, but there was no way we were going to miss the World Cup,” he stressed.

Dr. Abbey added that the committee’s ultimate goal was to restore pride in the Black Stars and reignite public faith in the team.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held on December 5, 2025, when Ghana will learn its group-stage opponents — a moment the nation awaits with renewed optimism.