Ghana's Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo has stressed the need for the team to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team failed to qualify for the previous tournament in Morocco, ending their long-standing run of appearances at the continental competition. Sibo, who was part of Ghana's squad at the 2026 World Cup, believes securing qualification must be the team's immediate priority. He expressed his thoughts after the team opened camp on Monday.
The Black Stars begin their Group C campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September. They will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September as head coach Carlos Queiroz begins his latest assignment with the national team. Sibo praised Queiroz, describing the Portuguese coach as disciplined and tactically astute in his approach to matches.
Sibo also highlighted areas for improvement within the Black Stars, both as a team and individually. He believes that under Queiroz's leadership, there are things that the team can improve on. The midfielder started Ghana's World Cup matches against England, Croatia, and Colombia. His comments come as Queiroz was reappointed by the Ghana Football Association in September after initially leading the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup.
Sibo welcomed competition for places within the squad, saying it can motivate players to improve their performances. He believes that having players compete for positions can push everyone to give their best to the nation. This mindset is crucial as the team aims to return to the continental tournament after their absence from the 2025 edition.
The Ghana national team has a rich history in African football, and Sibo feels that it's essential to make things right by qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. He emphasized that the team's passion and dedication are well-known globally, and it's time to live up to that reputation. The team's journey to qualification will be closely watched by Ghanaians, who are eager to see their team succeed.
After the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana will complete the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October. This match will provide an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills before the next phase of their campaign. Sibo's comments have set the tone for the team's aspirations, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see if they can deliver.
Ghana's quest for qualification begins with the matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. The team's performance in these games will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. With Sibo's emphasis on qualification and the team's potential for improvement, the stage is set for an exciting and challenging journey for the Black Stars.
Key points
- Ghana must qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to restore their reputation in African football.
- The team's journey to qualification begins with matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
- Sibo praises coach Carlos Queiroz for his discipline and tactical approach to matches.
