Augustine Arhinful Identifies Lack Of Consistency As Key Issue For Black Stars

Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful has pointed to inconsistency as a major challenge facing the Black Stars, emphasising the constant changes in the team’s composition.

Arhinful’s claims come in the wake of the Black Stars’ recent disappointing form, which has left many disheartened. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, followed by a resounding 4-0 loss to the United States in international friendlies.

Prior to these defeats, Ghana had faced challenges in securing victories, including a draw with Angola in Luanda, another disappointing draw against Madagascar, and an intense struggle against the Central African Republic. Despite these hurdles, the team managed to secure qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which is slated to kick off in January 2024.

“Our team lacks a bit of consistency; we’re not consistent in the sense that we keep changing our team every now and then,” Arhinful stated to Graphic Sports. “In the national team, you can’t keep changing players all the time. When you do that, you have issues.”

Arhinful drew comparisons to the era led by Stephen Appiah and other notable figures, emphasising that consistency was a key factor in their success. “Everybody talks about Stephen Appiah’s era and what they did before we qualified for the World Cup. Yes! Because there was consistency. At that time, every call-up featured players like John Mensah, John Paintsil, Laryea Kingson, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, and Michael Essien, so there was consistency.”

He also expressed concerns about the formation used by coach Chris Hughton and his technical team, suggesting that it may not align well with Ghana’s style of play. Arhinful urged the coaching staff to invite players who are better suited for the intended formation.

“Ghana does not have any system that we play, but the coach should always have a system for the team. The players you have will determine the system or the format you intend to use, and the players are selected by the technical handlers,” Arhinful explained. “So, if you select a player and he comes in and cannot slot into the system that you want to use, then you, the handler, have a lot of work to do.”

Black Stars aim to bounce back next month as they prepare to face Madagascar and Comoros in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Following that, they will head to Ivory Coast for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, facing record holders Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in the group stage.