Former Ghana international and ex-Heart of Oak, Asante Kotoko, and Tunisia-based footballer Charles Taylor has expressed concerns about the current state of the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem with Alexander Nana Dogbe at Lashibi on June 5, 2026, Taylor said football has become increasingly demanding this season, adding that many talented local players are often overlooked by coaches.
According to him, Ghanaian football still faces challenges in identifying and nurturing talent. He recalled his own experience, revealing that despite his abilities, he was initially overlooked when he joined Great Olympics before later earning a move to Heart of Oak.
Taylor praised players such as Joseph Paintsil, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo, describing Kudus as Ghana’s most influential playmaker at the moment. He stressed that modern football relies heavily on a strong midfield capable of controlling possession and supplying attackers with quality passes.
“Every strong team has a solid midfield. Ghana currently lacks players who can control and distribute the ball effectively,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with leading football nations, including France and Ivory Coast, Taylor argued that Ghana’s attacking players have not been consistent enough in front of goal despite their potential.
He also criticized the Black Stars for relying too heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective teamwork.
“If you lose the ball, you must fight to win it back immediately. Football today is about teamwork, pressing and discipline, not individual play,” he explained.
Taylor further stated that Ghanaians tend to celebrate draw results excessively, insisting that the nation should demand higher standards from the Black Stars rather than settling for average performances.
The former winger questioned the form of some senior players, including Thomas Partey, claiming he would not start the midfielder if he were in charge of the team.
“Thomas Partey is not himself at the moment,” he said.
According to Taylor, Ghana needs energetic midfielders who can transition the ball quickly into attacking areas and support pacey forwards such as Joseph Paintsil.
He admitted that he is unfamiliar with many players in the current Black Stars squad and would not confidently back Ghana to win the World Cup.
“Everything is possible in football, but honestly Ghana cannot win this World Cup with the current team,” he stated.
Taylor also cast doubt on the abilities of head coach Otto Addo, suggesting that the Black Stars trainer is more suited to scouting than tactical coaching.
“Otto is not really a coach. He is more of a scouting coach,” Taylor remarked.
Despite his criticism, he expressed hope that Ghana would perform well against Panama, warning that poor results in such matches could jeopardize the team’s progress in the tournament.
Taylor also addressed the pressure Ghanaian players face from supporters, arguing that constant criticism and insults often affect their confidence and performances for the national team.
He noted that many foreign-based Ghanaian players struggle to replicate their club form when representing the Black Stars due to the intense pressure and negativity from fans. He added that, apart from Ernest Nuamah, few players have shown enough promise ahead of the World Cup.
Taylor concluded by emphasizing that local players remain highly talented and technically gifted, insisting that during his playing days, football was driven more by passion than the pursuit of opportunities abroad.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah