AFCON 2025
Ghana are suddenly without a head coach less than three months to the 2026 World Cup, following the dismissal of Otto Addo after a poor run of results.
Addo was relieved of his duties after a poor run of results, capped by a 2–1 defeat to Germany and a heavy 5–1 loss to Austria in recent friendlies.
The timing leaves the Ghana Football Association with a delicate decision: go for experience, familiarity, or a bold new direction.
The Ghana Football Association have moved quickly in their search for a new head coach, making contact with former Morocco manager Walid Regragui following the dismissal of Otto Addo.
Regragui Emerges as Leading Candidate
Regragui has quickly become the standout name.
The former Morocco boss, who guided the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is currently without a job after leaving his role with the national team. Reports suggest he is open to the move and eager to return to the international stage.
For the GFA, the appeal is clear. They want a coach with pedigree, experience, and the ability to organise a team quickly under pressure. With Ghana set to open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18, there is little room for experimentation.
Here are five realistic options.
1. Chris Hughton
This is the most obvious short-term fix.
Hughton knows the squad, the system, and the federation. He managed Ghana recently and still has relationships with key players. In a crisis like this, familiarity matters more than experimentation.
The downside is clear if he is employed is that his previous spell with Ghana did not fully convince fans, and bringing him back could feel like going backwards. Still, for a tournament just weeks away, stability might win over sentiment.
2. Hervé Renard
If Ghana wants instant credibility, Renard is the standout option. A coach who knows globally football in and out. And can pull out surprises with any team.
He has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice and built a reputation for transforming teams quickly. His ability to organise defensively and get players to buy into a system could be crucial in a short tournament setting.
The challenge would be availability and cost. But if Ghana wants a statement appointment, this is it.
3. Kwesi Appiah
Appiah represents a safe and culturally grounded choice.
He understands Ghanaian football deeply and has already handled the pressure of managing the Black Stars at a World Cup. Players respect him, and he knows how to manage the dressing room.
This would be less about tactics and more about unity and identity, something Ghana may need right now.
4. George Boateng
An internal promotion could be the quickest solution.
Boateng has worked closely with the team and understands the current setup, he was an assistant coach to Otto Addo in 2022, and joined Ghana to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Promoting him avoids disruption and allows Ghana to maintain continuity ahead of the World Cup.
The risk is his limited experience as a head coach at this level. But in terms of transition, he is the least disruptive option.
5. Pitso Mosimane
Mosimane would bring authority and African pedigree. The former South African coach has also managed top African clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
His success at club level, especially in continental competitions, shows he can handle pressure and deliver results. He also commands respect across the continent.
This would be a bold move. It signals ambition and a willingness to trust a proven winner, even if he has not coached a national team recently.
