Shilla Illiasu, a former Black Stars defender, has urged the national team to focus more on long-term rebuilding efforts rather than immediate goals such as the AFCON and World Cup.
Following the Black Stars’ defeat to Sudan in their Match Day 4 fixture of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers in Libya, his remarks have raised questions about their chances of making it to the tournament in Morocco.
Coming up against Angola in Luanda for a crucial match, Illiasu stressed the importance of securing three points to keep their AFCON hopes alive. However, he also emphasized the need for the team to focus on developing a sustainable strategy for future success.
He cautioned about the consequences of not having a long-term vision, stating that it could lead to the team facing difficulties in upcoming competitions.
“I believe moving forward, it is evident that all Ghanaians must recognize the issues within the team and focus on building a strong foundation. It is essential to set aside thoughts of AFCON and the World Cup, and instead implement a long-term development plan. The entire nation needs to acknowledge the challenges within the team, provide unwavering support to the coach, and emphasize the importance of creating a strategic plan.”
