Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has called on fans to remain positive and support the Black Stars as they prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The team, four-time African champions, will face Côte d'Ivoire in their opening Group C qualifier in Bouaké on Thursday. Okraku's message comes at a time when the team is dealing with several key player withdrawals due to injuries and personal reasons.
The Black Stars will be without players such as Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, and Prince Kwabena Adu for the upcoming qualifiers. Despite these absences, Okraku has urged supporters to back the team. He emphasized the importance of supporting the players, who are committed to representing Ghana. Okraku made these comments during an interview on Asempa FM's Ultimate Sports Show.
In response to the player withdrawals, coach Carlos Queiroz has made several late additions to the squad. New call-ups include Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey. Additionally, Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have received their first invitations to the senior national team. These changes aim to strengthen the team ahead of the qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
The Black Stars will face Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké before returning home to take on The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. These matches are crucial for Ghana's qualification campaign. The team will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the hosts in Tangier on 4 October. This friendly will provide further preparation for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.
Okraku's appeal to fans comes at a critical time, as the team navigates the challenges of player withdrawals and tough qualifying matches. His message emphasizes the need for a positive and supportive environment for the Black Stars. By rallying behind the team, fans can play a significant role in their success.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are an important milestone for Ghana's national team. As a four-time African champion, Ghana has a rich history in the competition. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With the right support and preparation, the Black Stars aim to secure their place in the tournament.
As the Black Stars prepare for their qualifiers, the team's determination and resilience will be put to the test. With a new squad and coaching staff, the team is looking to make a strong impression. The upcoming matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia will provide a clear indication of the team's prospects in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Key points
- Ghana's Black Stars face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- The team is dealing with several key player withdrawals due to injuries and personal reasons.
- GFA president Kurt Okraku has urged fans to remain positive and support the team.
