REVEALED: Black Stars' assistant coach Desmond Ofei plays crucial role in set-piece success

A key member of Ghana's Black Stars technical team, assistant coach Desmond Ofei, is being praised for his focused work that has directly led to the team's recent success from set pieces, such as corners and free kicks.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum explained how Coach Ofei operates. He described him as a sharp "game reader" on the bench, constantly analysing the match to catch details the head coach might miss.

His most important job, however, happens in training, where he works closely with set-piece coach Gregory De Grauwe.

"In the last five games of the qualifiers, we scored more goals from set pieces," Twum revealed. "It's because of these combinations that joined."

Their partnership is highly organised. During training, the coaches work as a pair. When the team practices defending set pieces, head coach Otto Addo steps back, and Ofei takes the lead.

When the focus switches to attacking set pieces, coach Gregory De Grauwe comes to the fore. This clear division of labour allows the team to practice efficiently and master both sides of the game.

The results speak for themselves. The Black Stars have become significantly more dangerous from dead-ball situations, a key factor in their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Coach Ofei, whose journey to the senior team included leading the national U-20 side, his work on the training ground is proving to be a vital, if often unseen, part of the team's growing strength.