Former Germany international Gerald Asamoah has urged new Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to urgently address Ghana’s defensive weaknesses ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with 3Sports, Asamoah offered a candid assessment of the Ghana national football team, stressing that the side must first understand its identity and build around its strengths.
According to the former forward, Ghana’s biggest strength lies in attack. The Black Stars possess several talented forwards and creative midfielders capable of breaking down even the toughest defences.
However, Asamoah believes this attacking strength has often been undermined by a fragile defensive structure.
“What are we good at? Are we good at defending or attacking? We are really good in offensive play, but we also need to work seriously on our defensive game,” he said.
Defensive Weakness a Major Concern
Over the years, Ghana has struggled to establish a reliable centre-back partnership, a problem that has repeatedly exposed the team in international tournaments and friendly matches.
While the attack has often delivered moments of brilliance, defensive lapses have undone much of that good work, leaving the team vulnerable.
Asamoah believes that success in modern football depends on balance between attack and defence, and that no team can achieve consistent results with a weak backline.
“Keeping the defence solid is one of the most important things a coach can do,” he added.
Recent performances highlight the scale of the challenge. Ghana has conceded 10 goals in their last four friendly matches, failing to keep a single clean sheet — a worrying statistic as the team prepares for the World Cup.
Tough World Cup Challenge Ahead
The Black Stars face a difficult task in the tournament, having been drawn against the England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team.
These teams boast some of the most dangerous attacking players in world football, making defensive organisation crucial if Ghana hopes to compete.
For Queiroz, who is known for his tactical discipline and structured approach to the game, the mission is clear: bring stability, organisation, and confidence to Ghana’s backline.
Finding the right defensive partnerships, building chemistry within the squad, and instilling discipline will be key steps in transforming the Black Stars into a more balanced and competitive team.
As Asamoah’s remarks highlight, Ghana’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup will depend not only on their attacking talent but also on how effectively they can defend when it matters most.
