Those around Kurt Okraku are hurting his legacy – Nii Odartey Lamptey

Kurt OkrakuFormer Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey says the people surrounding Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku are failing to help him build a positive legacy.Lamptey’s comments come amid growing criticism of the GFA following Ghana’s poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.The Black Stars opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast before suffering another setback against The Gambia.Ghana looked on course for victory after taking a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium, but conceded four goals in the second half to lose 4-2.The two defeats leave the four-time African champions without a point from their opening two matches and under pressure to revive their qualification hopes after missing the 2025 AFCON.Lamptey, who won 38 caps for Ghana and represented the country at the 1992 Olympic Games, believes Okraku’s position has been made more difficult by those around him.”I love Kurt Okraku, but he has created enemies for himself, and the enemies want his downfall,” Lamptey told 3Sports.”Those around him are not helping him. Until Kurt realises that he has to change so many things, so many things will go against him. Everyone is complaining.”The former Ghana international believes the divisions surrounding the GFA president are also affecting the wider administration of football in the country.”When you create enemies for yourself, it affects the work that you are doing. That is what is happening to Ghana football now,” he added.Lamptey’s comments come at a difficult time for the GFA, which is facing increased scrutiny over the Black Stars’ recent performances and the direction of the national team.Following the defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz left his position as Black Stars head coach by mutual agreement.The GFA is now expected to appoint a new coach as Ghana attempts to revive its AFCON qualifying campaign.The Black Stars’ next assignment is a double-header against Somalia in October, with both matches scheduled to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.Ghana will need maximum points from the two matches to improve their position in Group C and strengthen their hopes of returning to the continental tournament.



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