The CAF Africa Cup of Nations Coaches Symposium is scheduled for September 12–13, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This event is highly significant because it will include a detailed discussion on the legacy of the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, considered the greatest AFCON ever.
The symposium will facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies, with 50 coaches from CAF’s member associations participating.
AFCON-winning coach Emerse Fae, Jose Peseiro, and Ghana’s coach Otto Addo are among the distinguished attendees.
This gathering presents a unique opportunity for Addo to learn from Africa’s top coaches and share his own insights, enhancing his professional growth.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, Ivorian government officials, and FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo will lead a legacy-focused discussion to kick off the two-day event. The discussion will focus on highlighting the global significance of African football.
The symposium holds greater significance for Ghana’s coach beyond being a mere learning experience.
Agyemang-Badu: Black Stars in the wrong direction under Otto Addo
Former national star Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes the Black Stars are heading in the wrong direction under the tutelage of coach Otto Addo following a disappointing start to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
He voiced his concerns when the team couldn’t secure a victory in their first two qualifier games.
In the opening match last Thursday, Angola secured a 1-0 victory against the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium. Their difficulties increased on Monday when they tied 1-1 with Niger in their second Group F match.
The four-time African champions are now in third place in the group with only one point from two games. With only four matches remaining, Ghana’s chances of qualifying are in danger as only the top two teams move forward.
“With the kind of quality players we have, and we struggle to string three or four passes together, even after taking the lead, Niger dominated possession and had 16 shots, three on target, while we managed six shots with three on target. After the game, the Black Stars got just one corner,” Agyemang-Badu told Asempa FM.
“I don’t think where we are going in the right direction. We used to reach the finals, and now we are getting eliminated in the group stage. At the moment, we are struggling to even qualify from our group. Things are getting tougher for us,” he added.
Ghana has set their sights on reviving their AFCON qualification hopes in October through two critical matches against Sudan, led by Kwesi Appiah.
