Following the abrupt departure of Chris Hughton, former Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet is reportedly in the running for the vacant Black Stars job, sources close to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) suggest. Hughton’s dismissal came in the wake of Ghana’s surprising elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage.
Saintfiet, the 50-year-old Belgian, resigned as Gambia’s coach after their exit from the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite a group stage exit with zero points, Saintfiet is recognized for his transformative impact on Gambian football. Gambia, under his guidance since July 2018, rose from 168th to 126th in the global rankings. Despite a quarter-final defeat in the 2021 AFCON, they exceeded expectations by defeating Mauritania, Tunisia, and Guinea.
With coaching experience spanning four FIFA confederations and significant African background managing nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo, Saintfiet’s diverse expertise has caught the attention of the GFA.
While the GFA is impressed by Saintfiet’s track record, no official approach has been made, and the association continues to evaluate multiple candidates for the crucial coaching role. If appointed, Saintfiet would undertake the formidable task of revitalizing the Black Stars’ fortunes, aiming to steer the team back on course after a disappointing run under Hughton. The team’s struggles in recent months, both in Ivory Coast and on the path to the 2026 World Cup, make the upcoming coaching decision pivotal for Ghana’s football future.