Kwesi Appiah is no longer the coach of the Black Stars.
Ghanaians who were still getting accustomed to being in 2020 certainly did not expect this to be the most used line on social media on Thursday evening.
However, following the dissolution of all the technical teams of the national football sides, and despite the fact that a number of other coaches are now without jobs, Appiah’s exit is the most telling.
At least, that’s what’s getting the most traction on social media – ‘Kwesi Appiah’ and ‘Black Stars’ are currently two terms in the top five trends on Twitter in Ghana.
Despite taking charge of the Black Stars two opening games in their AFCON 2021 qualifying campaign in November, Appiah’s continued stay as head coach of the men’s senior national team had become the subject of much debate.
His contract expired in December 2019, but speculation was rife that he had been offered a new contract by the GFA.
This earned the ire of some sections of the public who felt that given Ghana’s dismal showing at the AFCON 2019 tournament in Egypt, perhaps a change in management was needed.
And from the reaction to his departure on social media, it’s clear this school of thought was one shared by not just a vocal minority.
While a few people were just glad to be rid of Appiah, some are already looking to the future.
Musical Chairs
One Twitter user is hoping for a bit of a switcheroo in the Black Stars, culminating in fan favourite Michael Essien taking up the top job.
Since Kwesi Appiah has been sacked
Can we give the Captain back to Asamoah Gyan and make Dede Ayew the general captain and Kwadwo Asamoah the assistant captain and then make Thomas partey his Deputy and finally make Michael Essien the head coach 😒— Sb K GYESi👽 (@_gyesi) January 2, 2020
Prayers Answered
Only apt to give thanks once your prayers have been responded to…
Kwesi Appiah is gone! Thank God 🙏
Let's hope the new technical team the GFA will appoint will bring something Good to our national team 🇬🇭
— Kωαme Benαιαh🐐 (@kwamebenaiah) January 2, 2020
New king, new law
New GFA Boss Kurt Okraku is getting lots of love online for this rather radical call
https://twitter.com/Ankamagyimi/status/1212831657461534720
Regret
Having earlier been hopeful of an Appiah masterclass, eating humble pie is something this tweeter doesn’t mind
I can’t believe I thought Kwesi Appiah could do the job. I’m sorry.
— H (@harry_specter) January 2, 2020
Bring back the love….with Pochettino?
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino might be sought after by Europes biggest clubs but why settle for the easy choice when he could take up a real challenge?
https://twitter.com/Kaypoisson1/status/1212838086457122817
‘Our bet slips are free again’
Betting on the Black Stars does take some courage, imagine the number of slips you’ll need to give up in order to almost win something?
https://twitter.com/_kofigaza/status/1212844941694640130