Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has defended the Black Stars following a series of player withdrawals ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The team will begin their qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, 24 September. Okraku emphasized that the absences should not be interpreted as players refusing to represent the national team.
Several key players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, and Prince Kwabena Adu, have withdrawn due to injuries and personal reasons. Okraku stated that some players are dealing with demanding club schedules and personal issues, which have contributed to their unavailability. He stressed that it is not the players' fault that they are unable to participate.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz has responded to the absences by bringing in late replacements, including Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey. Additionally, Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have received their first senior call-ups. Okraku expressed understanding for the players' situations, citing the intense training and personal issues they face.
The Black Stars are seeking a return to the AFCON finals after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco. Ghana will face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days after their match against Côte d'Ivoire. Okraku urged fans to remain positive and supportive of the team despite the challenges.
Kurt Okraku assured that no player has ever refused to play for the Black Stars since he assumed office as the president of the Football Association. He attributed the withdrawals to the demanding nature of the sport and the players' personal circumstances. Okraku emphasized the need for fans to understand the situation and continue supporting the team.
The Black Stars will also face Morocco in an international friendly in Tangier on 4 October as Queiroz continues preparations for the remainder of the qualifying campaign. The team is determined to make a strong comeback and secure a spot in the 2027 AFCON finals.
Ghana's football fans are eagerly awaiting the team's performance in the upcoming matches. The GFA president's comments have helped to alleviate concerns about the team's readiness and commitment to the qualifiers. The Black Stars' success in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will be crucial in restoring the team's reputation and Ghana's presence in the competition.
Key points
- The Black Stars face a challenging 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with several key players withdrawn due to injuries and personal reasons.
- Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku defends the team, citing the demanding nature of the sport and players' personal circumstances.
- The team will play Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Morocco in the coming weeks as part of their qualifying campaign and preparations.
