Former Ghana international Shilla Illiasu has voiced strong concerns about the level of support the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the government provide to the senior men’s national football team, the Black Stars.
Illiasu, a member of Ghana’s 2006 World Cup squad, believes this excessive backing has not translated into results on the field, making the situation increasingly frustrating for fans and stakeholders alike.
Illiasu’s remarks come in the wake of Ghana’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which took place in Libya on Tuesday. This loss, coupled with a previous goalless draw against the same team in Accra, has left the Black Stars in a precarious position in Group F of the qualifiers. With just two points from four games, Ghana is currently sitting in third place and is now facing the alarming prospect of failing to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in two decades.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Illiasu expressed his disbelief at the level of support afforded to the Black Stars compared to other national teams. “If you look at the support the GFA and government give to the Black Stars, not the (other) national teams, it’s unbelievable… and still we find it very difficult [to win games],” he stated. He went on to reflect on the performance of the team, expressing his disappointment: “Fine, we created chances; we didn’t utilize them [in the goalless draw with Sudan in Accra]. Fine, but what I saw, honestly, I was very, very disappointed.”
Illiasu’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that the Black Stars, despite receiving substantial support and resources, have failed to deliver on the pitch. The pressure is mounting as the national team approaches its final two matches of the qualifiers against Niger and Angola in November, which will be critical in determining their fate in the tournament.
The former defender’s criticisms underline a broader debate regarding the allocation of resources and support within Ghanaian football. While the Black Stars have traditionally been viewed as the flagship team of Ghanaian football, Illiasu’s observations suggest a need for a reevaluation of priorities within the GFA and the government. There are concerns that the overwhelming focus on the senior team may come at the expense of investment in other levels of the sport, including youth and women’s football, which are crucial for the long-term success and development of the game in Ghana.
Ghana’s current standing in the AFCON qualifiers is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Black Stars. With only two points from four matches, the team’s path to qualification has become increasingly difficult. Illiasu’s comments resonate deeply with supporters who have witnessed a decline in the team’s performance over the years, especially given the rich history and legacy of Ghanaian football on the continental stage.
Fans and pundits alike are questioning the effectiveness of the support being provided to the Black Stars. The resources allocated to the senior team, including training facilities, coaching staff, and player remuneration, have not resulted in the expected level of performance. This raises important questions about accountability and the effectiveness of the strategies being employed by the GFA and the government.
Illiasu’s call for reflection on the support structure of the Black Stars is timely as the team heads into a crucial phase of the qualifiers. The upcoming matches against Niger and Angola will be pivotal not only for qualification but also for restoring faith among fans and stakeholders. A failure to qualify could have significant implications for the future of the team, potentially leading to changes in management and strategy.
As Ghana prepares for these critical encounters, the pressure will be on the players and coaching staff to deliver results. The national team’s legacy is at stake, and there is a growing sense of urgency to revitalize the Black Stars and reclaim their status as a dominant force in African football.
Illiasu’s candid assessment serves as a wake-up call for all involved in Ghanaian football. The time has come to evaluate the current approach to support and resources allocated to the Black Stars. As the team gears up for the final two games of the qualifiers, it remains to be seen whether they can rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the upcoming AFCON. The challenges are significant, but the passion and support of Ghanaian fans remain unwavering, hoping for a turnaround that will restore the pride of the Black Stars on the continental stage.
