Former Ghana national team defender Lee Addy
Former Ghana defender, Lee Addy has given his insight into Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Black Stars needed to win in Luanda against Angola to double their qualifying chances but a 1-1 draw meant they sit bottom of group F on two points from five games. Jordan Ayew's 18th minute free kick was not enough as the Palancas Negras leveled in the 68th mark through a thumping header by 22-year-old Levadiakos striker Zini.
Lee Addy, 39, who was capped 30 times for the four-time African champions, spoke exclusively to Pan-Africa Football.
“The boys did very well yesterday, the goal we had was from an individual brilliance from Jordan Ayew. I think there is more room for improvement and the GFA and the technical team know what to do. It was heartbreaking for us not to qualify for the AFCON but we have to correct our mistakes and move on."
“Everybody, the FA and the technical team know what to do but I don’t know why they are not doing it,” he told Pan-Africa Football. Addy touched on the need to give more home based players the opportunity to exhibit their qualities. His assertions come following the sterling performance of central defender Razak Simpson.
Simpson, who plays for Ghana Premier League side Nations FC, partnered Kingsley Schindler at the heart of central defence, showing his qualities on the day. Addy, who played for Ghana at the 2010 AFCON in Angola and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa while with former champions Berekum Chelsea, stressed the need for more local players in the Black Stars.
“This is what I have been saying that, they should give the local boys the chance to exhibit what they can do. Look at what Razak Simpson did. I have been in that position before and I know how it feels to be there. He had really impressed everybody, he has made the Ghana Premier League proud and he should continue that way. I think we have more games to come so he should be focused and deliver.”
Ghana have a last qualifier against Niger with nothing at stake as they sit bottom of group F on two points. Angola are first with thirteen points and Sudan follow in second on seven with Niger clawing four points heading into the final games.
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