Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, must secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, according to midfielder Kwasi Sibo. The team missed the previous edition in Morocco, ending a long-standing run of appearances at the continental competition. Sibo expressed his thoughts after the team opened camp, emphasizing the importance of qualification given Ghana's history and reputation in African football.
The Black Stars will begin their qualifying campaign with a challenging match against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24. They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. Sibo's comments come as the team starts a new phase under head coach Carlos Queiroz, who was reappointed by the Ghana Football Association in September.
Sibo praised Queiroz, describing him as a disciplined and tactical coach who prepares for matches based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. The midfielder also highlighted areas for improvement within the team, both collectively and individually, under Queiroz's leadership. Sibo believes that with the right approach, Ghana can make a strong impact in the qualifying campaign.
The midfielder also welcomed competition for places in the squad, arguing that having quality players competing for the same positions can push individuals to improve and ultimately benefit the national team. Sibo's comments reflect his experience as part of the Black Stars squad at the 2026 World Cup, where he started matches against England, Croatia, and Colombia.
Queiroz's new mandate with the Ghana Football Association begins with the upcoming international window, with AFCON qualification as the immediate objective. The team's preparations have been complicated by player absences, according to Queiroz. Despite these challenges, Sibo remains optimistic about the team's chances in the qualifying campaign.
Following the qualifiers, Ghana will round off the international window with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4. Sibo's emphasis on qualification reflects the team's determination to make amends for missing the previous AFCON edition. The Black Stars are seeking to end a 44-year wait for an AFCON title.
As the team prepares for the qualifying campaign, Sibo's comments highlight the importance of qualification for the 2027 AFCON. The team's history and reputation in African football make it a priority to secure a spot in the tournament. With Queiroz at the helm and a renewed sense of determination, the Black Stars are poised to make a strong impact in the qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Ghana must qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to make amends for missing the previous edition in Morocco.
- Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo emphasizes the importance of qualification given Ghana's history and reputation in African football.
- The team's preparations have been complicated by player absences, according to head coach Carlos Queiroz.
