Former Ghana head coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has voiced concern following the Black Stars’ heavy defeat to Austria in their recent international friendly.
The four-time African champions were handed a 5-1 loss in Vienna on Friday, March 27, 2026, in the first of two scheduled friendly matches.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Akonnor—now in charge of Gor Mahia—acknowledged the role of friendlies in assessing team performance but insisted the margin of defeat was unacceptable for a side of Ghana’s calibre.
“We play friendly matches to assess ourselves, but conceding five goals is just too much for a team like Ghana,” Akonnor said.
Akonnor urged the players to respond strongly in their next outing, noting that while defeats are part of the game, the nature of the loss raises concern.
“They will have to put up a good show in the upcoming match. Yes, you can lose 1-0, 2-0, 5 was a little bit on the high, and I’m sure the players themselves taking that in; they are all disappointed,” he added.
Despite the setback, the former Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak coach believes the result offers an opportunity for reflection as the team continues its build-up to the global showpiece. He stressed that outcomes in friendly matches are less important than the lessons drawn from them.
“To play these matches and look at yourself—what you’ve done well, what you haven’t done well. Even if they had won, it doesn’t mean anything. It means that they will have to look at themselves and do well so that when the D-Day comes, which is playing against Panama, you will be ready,” Akonnor stated.
Ghana will look to respond when they face four-time world champions Germany in Stuttgart later tonight at 18:45 GMT.
The Black Stars are also scheduled to play Mexico and Wales in May and June as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. Ghana will come up against Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage.
