Black Stars starting team
Former Ghana Football Association vice-president George Afriyie says the Black Stars have “no business” failing to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana will begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
Somalia complete the four-team group, with the top two teams qualifying for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Afriyie believes Ghana should comfortably finish at least second in the group despite the presence of Côte d’Ivoire.
“Let’s say Côte d’Ivoire is the top team in the group, so let’s take them out,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
“But we have no business doing football in Ghana if we can’t beat Gambia and Somalia in picking at least the second spot.”
The former GFA official also called on the association to ensure the Black Stars’ management structure is fully operational ahead of the qualifiers.
He stressed the importance of proper planning, logistics and timely player call-ups.
“We must ensure a full Black Stars Management Committee is active and focused on qualification, logistics and player call-up timing, and prepare thoroughly for the qualifiers,” he said.
The opening game against Côte d’Ivoire will be an immediate test for Carlos Queiroz, who has been retained as Black Stars coach following Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Ghana reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010 under the Portuguese coach.
The Black Stars missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a run of 10 consecutive appearances at the tournament. They will now seek an immediate return to Africa’s premier international competition.
BY Wletsu Ransford
