It was a challenge controlling player call-ups – Akonnor

Charles Akonnor says he was frustrated as Black Stars coach, revealing he lacked control over player call-ups.

The former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko gaffer was appointed in January 2020, replacing Kwesi Appiah, and was sacked after a year and nine months in charge.

Under the leadership of Akonnor, the Black Stars won four, lost four, and drew two in 10 games.

“This is public knowledge. Many people out there just talk but they have no idea what was happening inside. Apart from COVID, it was a challenge controlling player call-ups,” Akonnor told Joy Sports.

“[Having a final say on player selection] was a challenge. There were times I was so frustrated and I didn’t want to call certain players. It got to a point I wasn’t going to call Emmanuel Lomotey again.

Akonnor led Ghana to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, beating out South Africa, Sudan, and Sao Tome and Principe in their qualification group. He was fired, however, before the tournament began in January 2022.

“[Being the head coach at the 2021 AFCON] was a dream but one way or the other, somebody shut it down, who that person is, I don’t know,” he said on Joy Sports’ Prime Take.

“I wouldn’t say so [I would have done better than what Milovan Rajevac did], but I had a plan and if that plan had worked, maybe we would have done better than we did.

“At least, the FA should have allowed me to go to the AFCON and come back because my contract was even running out. I was hurt but I am better now.”

Source: 3news.com|Ghana