Ghana FA Urges Strong Start to 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, must secure a decisive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, according to Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director for the Ghana Football Association (GFA). This directive follows Ghana's absence from the 2025 AFCON tournament, aiming to prevent a recurrence of past qualification struggles.

Black Stars Open Against Ivory Coast

The Black Stars commence their qualification journey on September 24 against Ivory Coast in Bouaké. Three days later, the team will host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium. These fixtures mark Ghana's immediate focus after their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, shifting attention to continental aspirations.

Past Failures Drive Qualification Urgency Asante Twum emphasized the critical need to avoid Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco stemmed from a disappointing previous campaign, characterized by a slow start. Asante Twum emphasized the critical need to avoid a similar scenario, stressing the importance of a strong opening to the qualifiers. This sentiment reflects lessons learned from recent competitive setbacks.

New Coach and Roster Expected Head coach Carlos Queiroz is anticipated to arrive Head coach Carlos Queiroz is anticipated to arrive in Ghana this week to finalize the squad for the upcoming matches. The team is expected to feature a new-look roster, signaling a potential shift in strategy and personnel. This squad selection will prove crucial for setting the campaign's tone as Ghana aims to rejuvenate its international performance. Ghana's Decades-Long Title Drought The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ghana enters the tournament seeking to end a 42-year drought for the continental title, having last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982. Since then, the Black Stars have reached the final three times, most recently in 2015, but have consistently fallen short of securing the trophy.