Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has appealed to Ghanaians to support the Black Stars as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The team faces Côte d'Ivoire in their opening Group C fixture in Bouaké on Thursday, followed by a match against The Gambia in Accra three days later. Okraku emphasized the importance of positivity and support from fans, stating that it is crucial for the team's success.
The Black Stars have been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of several key players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, and Prince Kwabena Adu, due to injuries and personal reasons. Despite these setbacks, Okraku remains optimistic about the team's chances and has urged supporters to avoid spreading inaccurate information. He stressed that the players are committed to the course of Ghana and need the support of the fans.
In response to the withdrawals, head coach Carlos Queiroz has made several changes to the squad, calling up new players including Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey. Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have also received their first call-ups to the senior national team. These new additions are expected to bolster the team's chances in the upcoming matches.
The Black Stars will face Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, marking their first competitive match since missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. The team will then return home to play The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, before traveling to Morocco for an international friendly against the hosts in Tangier on 4 October. This friendly match will provide valuable preparation for the remainder of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Ghana will be seeking to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The team's performance in the qualifying campaign will be crucial in determining their chances of participation in the tournament. Okraku's call for support from Ghanaians is seen as a move to galvanize the fans and provide a boost to the team's morale.
The GFA president's message of positivity and support has resonated with many fans, who are eager to see the Black Stars succeed. The team's matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the next stage of the qualifying campaign. Fans are expected to play a significant role in providing support to the team in these matches.
As the Black Stars prepare to take on Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, the team's coaching staff and players are focused on achieving a positive result. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as Ghana seeks to make a strong impression in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Ghana faces Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Several key players have withdrawn from the Black Stars squad due to injuries and personal reasons.
- The team will play an international friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October.
