Ghana FA accepts blame for Russia 2018 qualifying flop

The Ghana Football Association takes full responsibility for the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Fifa World Cup slated for Russia in June/July, vice president of the governing body George Afriyie has said.

For the first time since 2006, the four-time African champions will not partake in the global fiesta, due to an underwhelming campaign in qualifying.

Afriyie comments have come as a surprise to many as his outfit had continuously blamed the sports ministry - then led by Nii Lante Vanderpuye - for the big fiasco following their series of disputes over issues relating to the team.

“I will not blame anybody [else] for our failure to qualify but the Ghana FA,” Afriyie told Happy FM.

“If we took credit for qualifying the team to three World Cups, we should equally take the blame for failing to the lead the team to the tournament this time around.”

After six rounds of qualifying games in Group E, Ghana ultimately finished third on the log, two and six points behind second-placed Uganda and winners Egypt.

The Black Stars won only one game in the series, drawing four and losing one. “I will talk about those reasons at the right time," Afriyie said in response to a question on the reasons for failure.