Kofi Manu blasts Kurt Okraku for fiery message to Black Stars players ahead of Sudan game

Experienced football administrator, Kofi Manu, has questioned Kurt Okraku’s actions towards Black Stars players before the crucial 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan earlier this month.

Okraku blasted Black Stars players a day before their encounter against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium, raising concerns about the commitment and passion of the players.

However, in an interview, Kofi Manu insisted Okraku made a mistake by yelling at the players before the game.

“Kurt Okraku made a mistake by yelling and addressing the players in such a manner in front of the camera. He even went so far as to tell Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku that the Black Stars existed before them and will continue to do so after they retire,” he said.

“Additionally, I would like to know if Kurt Okraku, the president of the GFA, was even alive in 1957 when the Black Stars were founded. How can you expect players to fight and sacrifice themselves for their nation if you speak to them in such a manner?

“You don't speak to players like that 24 hours before a game that crucial. He ought to have apologized to the players for yelling at them, in my opinion. However, due to shyness, he was unable to accompany the team to Libya and instead traveled to Germany to watch the Black Satellites' friendly game versus Germany, which ended in a devastating defeat.”

The West African powerhouse fell short to Sudan in the double-header and are on the verge of failing to qualify for CAF’s biggest tournament for the first time since 2004.

The Black Stars played out a 0-0 draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by a 2-0 defeat to their opponents at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya.

The four-time AFCON champions will return to action to face Angola and Niger in the final Group F games next month (November).

Ghana now need to secure wins against already-qualified Angola and Niger, while hoping that Sudan falters against these same opponents, to keep their chances alive for next year’s tournament in Morocco.