John Paintsil turns to youth development after Black Stars' 2025 AFCON miss

Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has shifted focus to youth development after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On November 27, 2024, he led a football clinic in the Volta Region, mentoring young players and encouraging them to showcase their talent for future opportunities. Ghana’s AFCON campaign ended in disappointment, with no wins in six matches, earning only six points.

This marks the nation’s first AFCON absence in 20 years, triggering widespread criticism of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and head coach Otto Addo.

Fans have demanded significant changes, citing stagnation under the current leadership. Paintsil’s efforts to develop emerging talent aim to rebuild Ghana’s football legacy amid this challenging period.