Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can make a positive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The team faces a challenging away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, followed by a home match against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The Black Stars have been dealt a blow with several key players ruled out due to injuries and late withdrawals, forcing head coach Carlos Queiroz to make changes to his squad. Despite this, Adams believes the available players have the quality and determination to secure positive results from both matches. He expressed his hopes for the team, stating they aim to either draw or win all three points in Bouaké and secure all three points against The Gambia.
The Black Stars are looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, where they failed to reach the tournament in Morocco. Ghana finished bottom of their qualifying group, missing out on the finals for the first time since 2004. This upcoming campaign provides Queiroz with an opportunity to assess his squad as Ghana begins their bid to return to the continental tournament.
The two AFCON qualifiers and a friendly against Morocco scheduled for 4 October at the Grand Stade de Tanger will allow Queiroz to evaluate his team's performance. Ghana's immediate focus is on securing a result in Bouaké before turning their attention to The Gambia in Accra. The team will use the international window to prepare further for the upcoming campaign.
Adams made these statements in an interview with Max TV, highlighting his optimism about the team's chances. The Black Stars have a tough road ahead, but Adams' confidence in the team's abilities could prove crucial in their quest for a successful campaign.
The Sports Minister's comments come as a boost to the team, who are eager to make a strong impression in the qualifiers. With the right mindset and strategy, Ghana may still be able to achieve their goals despite the setbacks.
Asaase Radio, a prominent Ghanaian media outlet, reported on Adams' comments, providing extensive coverage of the team's preparations for the qualifiers. The Black Stars' journey to the 2027 AFCON will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Key points
- Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Adams remains optimistic about the Black Stars' chances in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- The Black Stars face a challenging away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire and a home match against The Gambia.
- The team has been impacted by injuries and withdrawals, but Adams believes the available players can still secure positive results.
