Kingston\u2019s comments have attracted additional attention because of his recent coaching success. While Ghana\u2019s senior national team struggles for direction, the former international has just guided Uganda\u2019s U-17 side to the CECAFA Championship title and qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laryea Kingston Says Ghana Need an AFCON \u201cMiracle\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Black Stars have lost their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers and sit bottom of Group C without a point. Defeats against C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire and The Gambia have left Ghana under immediate pressure ahead of November\u2019s double-header against Somalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kingston believes the situation is already extremely difficult. With two teams in the group holding six points, Ghana may need to win all their remaining fixtures and hope other results work in their favour. He described qualification as requiring a \u201cmiracle\u201d and warned that the Black Stars could miss a second consecutive AFCON tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The comments reflect growing public frustration after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco. Another absence would represent a serious decline for a four-time African champion and increase scrutiny of the GFA\u2019s technical planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, qualification remains mathematically possible. The two matches against Somalia offer Ghana an opportunity to collect six points, rebuild confidence and reduce the gap to their rivals. Anything short of maximum points could make the remaining campaign even more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-111.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nKingston Celebrates CECAFA U-17 Success with Uganda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kingston\u2019s warning carries weight because he is enjoying success in youth international football. The Ghanaian coach led Uganda\u2019s U-17 national team to the 2026 CECAFA title after defeating Somalia 6\u20135 on penalties in Kigali. The final ended goalless before Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya produced a decisive shoot-out performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uganda topped their group and defeated Ethiopia 4\u20130 in the semi-final before lifting the trophy. The result also secured their place at the 2027 U-17 AFCON and delivered the country\u2019s third CECAFA U-17 championship, following earlier titles in 2020 and 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cubs also collected the tournament\u2019s leading individual honours. Captain Henry Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player, Arnold Kayemba finished as top scorer and Ssegirinya received the Best Goalkeeper award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Kingston, the achievement strengthens his coaching reputation and demonstrates his ability to develop young players. It also creates an uncomfortable contrast with the uncertainty surrounding Ghana\u2019s senior team.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-112.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnthony Baffoe Withdraws from Black Stars Search Committee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The GFA has confirmed that former Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe is no longer part of the committee tasked with recommending Ghana\u2019s next permanent head coach. Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said chairman Fred Pappoe informed the Executive Council of Baffoe\u2019s withdrawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No official reason has been provided. Baffoe had been named to a five-member panel established by the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation following Carlos Queiroz\u2019s resignation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remaining committee members are Pappoe, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, legal practitioner Agbesi Dzakpasu and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah. Their responsibility is to identify, evaluate and recommend a suitable candidate for approval.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-113.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhen Will Ghana Appoint a New Black Stars Coach?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The recruitment process has been extended to allow for a more structured evaluation of candidates. Asante Twum says the GFA expects to appoint a substantive coach by November, potentially after Ghana\u2019s two qualifiers against Somalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An interim technical team led by Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bj\u00f6rkegren will oversee the November window. The immediate priority is securing results, but the permanent appointment must also provide stability, tactical direction and a credible long-term development plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Critical Period for Ghana Football<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kingston\u2019s success with Uganda shows what clear youth development and consistent coaching can achieve. His warning about the Black Stars, combined with Baffoe\u2019s committee withdrawal, has intensified questions about leadership and planning within Ghanaian football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next few weeks could define the national team\u2019s immediate future. Ghana must revive their AFCON campaign against Somalia while the search committee works to appoint a coach capable of rebuilding confidence and restoring the Black Stars\u2019 continental standing.
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