Black Stars set-piece coach and chief video analyst, Gregory De Grauwe, has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the Ghana national football team, crediting Assistant Coach Desmond Ofei for playing a pivotal role in his recruitment.
The Belgian tactician, who officially joined the Black Stars in March 2025, has since been instrumental in Ghana’s impressive qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under De Grauwe’s expertise, the Black Stars have emerged as one of Africa’s most efficient teams in converting set-piece opportunities into goals. Since his arrival, over 50 percent of Ghana’s goals have come from free kicks, corners, and other dead-ball situations — a remarkable improvement that has added a new dimension to the team’s attacking play.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, the Belgian revealed that his professional relationship with Assistant Coach Desmond Ofei dates back several years, long before either of them joined the Ghanaian national team setup.
“We worked together in Lokeren, where I was a video analyst for the first team, and Desmond was the coach of the reserves,” De Grauwe recounted. “That’s how we got to know each other about five years ago. We kept in touch through Instagram, and one day he asked, ‘Greg, do you want to come work for us?’ Two or three days later, I had an online meeting with GFA President Mr. Kurt Okraku, and everything happened so fast.”
According to De Grauwe, his swift recruitment into the Ghanaian technical setup was the result of professional trust built over years of collaboration and mutual respect with Ofei. He expressed his gratitude to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Coach Ofei for the confidence they placed in him.
“I was so happy to come to this beautiful country and work with such quality players. It was a big honour for me to join the Black Stars,” he said, reflecting on his first months with the team.
Transforming Ghana’s set-piece efficiency
Since De Grauwe’s arrival, analysts and fans alike have noticed a visible transformation in Ghana’s approach to set pieces. Training sessions have become more data-driven and strategically refined, with emphasis on movement patterns, ball delivery, and aerial timing.
Players such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, and Alexander Djiku have all benefited from structured routines designed to maximize scoring chances during dead-ball situations.
The Belgian coach, who holds UEFA certification in video analysis and performance management, has also played a vital role in scouting opponents, breaking down defensive weaknesses, and providing tactical insight that complements Head Coach Otto Addo’s philosophy.
Team insiders credit De Grauwe’s meticulous attention to detail and technological expertise for the side’s improved discipline in transitions and offensive build-ups. His work with the team’s goalkeepers and defenders on defending set pieces has also contributed to Ghana’s defensive solidity, with the Black Stars conceding fewer goals from corners and free kicks than in previous qualifying campaigns.
Journey to World Cup qualification
Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was sealed in style following a decisive 1-0 victory over Comoros in June, a win that ensured the Black Stars finished top of Group I with 25 points from 10 matches.
The team’s qualification journey was characterized by a renewed sense of tactical balance and fighting spirit. In matches against tough opponents such as Mali, Central African Republic, and Madagascar, Ghana’s improved efficiency from set pieces proved decisive, with several crucial goals coming from free kicks, corners, and penalties.
Observers have attributed this newfound edge to the combination of De Grauwe’s analytical precision and the technical leadership of Desmond Ofei and Otto Addo.
A sports analyst, Kwabena Owusu, speaking on Africa Live News’ post-qualification panel, noted that Ghana’s evolution under the new technical direction has been “both strategic and psychological.”
“Set pieces were one of Ghana’s weakest points in the last qualification cycle,” Owusu said. “But under De Grauwe, there’s been a visible shift in confidence and organization. The players now execute rehearsed routines, and that’s exactly what wins games at the highest level.”
Desmond Ofei’s influence and leadership
Desmond Ofei, who serves as Ghana’s assistant coach, has earned praise for his ability to identify and recruit high-calibre technical staff to complement the existing setup. His long-standing relationship with De Grauwe provided the foundation for the Belgian’s smooth integration into the Ghanaian environment.
Ofei’s influence, according to sources within the team, extends beyond recruitment. He plays a major role in player development and communication between the European-based contingent and the home-based players. His collaborative approach has helped foster a sense of unity within the camp, creating a supportive environment for coaches and players alike.
De Grauwe, in turn, has acknowledged the importance of teamwork within the Black Stars’ technical unit. He emphasized that Ghana’s success in the World Cup qualifiers was a collective effort that involved everyone — from the players to the backroom staff.
“We work as one team,” De Grauwe said. “Every goal we score, every clean sheet we keep, is a result of teamwork. It’s not just about one coach or one player — it’s about the collective.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup draw
With qualification secured, the Black Stars have turned their attention to the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Expectations are high as Ghana aims to build on its storied World Cup history, including the unforgettable 2010 quarter-final run in South Africa.
The technical team, led by Otto Addo, with Desmond Ofei, Gregory De Grauwe, and goalkeeping coach Richard Kingson, is already mapping out plans for an intensive preparation program ahead of the tournament. Friendly matches, tactical simulations, and advanced data analysis are all expected to form part of the team’s build-up to the global showpiece.
For De Grauwe, the journey has just begun. The Belgian says he is committed to helping the Black Stars achieve even greater heights on the world stage.
“This team has so much talent and character,” he said. “I believe Ghana can surprise the world again, just like in 2010. We have the players, the passion, and the technical team to make it happen.”
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the Black Stars will be hoping for a favourable draw — and with the analytical mind of Gregory De Grauwe working behind the scenes, Ghana’s set-piece magic may once again prove to be their secret weapon on football’s grandest stage.
By Africa Live News Sports Desk
