The video analyst of the Black Stars, Gregory De Grauwe, has shared insights into the team’s set piece performance during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In the qualifiers, the Black Stars scored 23 goals, with approximately eight coming from set pieces.
Reacting to this, De Grauwe explained that upon joining the team, he first assessed their existing approach to set pieces and then introduced his own ideas based on those observations.
The Belgian coach noted that the presence of top players like Kudus Mohammed and Jordan Ayew made it easier for the squad to adapt to his strategies.
How Dede Ayew reacted to the Black Stars‘ qualification for the 2026 World Cup
“You have to keep things simple. That’s something I had to learn in the beginning. I wanted maybe a little bit too much. But yes, keep it simple add one or two variations to tease them a little so they’re ready, especially with the quality we have.
“Like Jordan, Kudus how they kick the ball. When you see how many good headers we have, the quality is just there. But we only have two days to work on it, so it’s just a small part of the preparation. Still, because the guys play for really big teams, they immediately understand what you want,” he told Sporty FM.
De Grauwe also praised the players for contributing their own ideas to set piece routines: “They themselves come up with some really good ideas. Sometimes they notice what we can do or what the opponent is doing differently. The quality of our team is so high it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu both scored from corner kicks during the qualifiers in October.
Watch the interview below:
Set-piece coach Gregory De Grauwe says the Black Stars have become so good at scoring from set-pieces because the players are talented.#SportyFM pic.twitter.com/aGix0kLInS
— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) October 15, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch highlights of Ghana’s 1-0 win over Comoros in the World Cup qualifiers