Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has emphasized the team’s burgeoning confidence as they prepare for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire. The match, scheduled for September 24th at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, is expected to be a significant test for both sides, with Okraku highlighting the team’s recent improvements and the significance of their position in the world rankings.
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the GFA President acknowledged Ghana’s enhanced organization and capability to compete on the global stage. ‘Côte d’Ivoire are a very good team,’ Okraku stated, ‘I think it will be a very interesting game.’ He further elaborated that Ghana’s rise in the FIFA rankings after the tournament reflects this progress, demonstrating a demonstrable improvement in their international standing.
Specifically, Okraku asserted that the Black Stars have largely overcome the previous psychological hurdle of failing to perform well in major tournaments. ‘That psychological block of losing games doesn’t exist anymore within this team,’ he explained. ‘Going into the World Cup as the least-ranked team, we came out as the 24th-ranked team, and that should tell you that Ghana has made progress at the Mundial.’
The GFA is confident that Ghana will travel to Bouaké with a strong belief and determination. ‘We will go to Côte d’Ivoire with youthful confidence,’ Okraku affirmed. ‘We will be competitive,’ he added. The Black Stars will face Côte d’Ivoire in Group C of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, alongside Somalia and The Gambia. This fixture represents a critical opportunity for Ghana to secure a positive result and advance to the continental tournament.
Recent reports indicate that the GFA has been diligently working to bolster the team’s tactical and strategic capabilities. The Black Stars’ performance in the 2026 World Cup, while not a dominant result, provided valuable insights into their potential and highlighted a marked improvement in their organization and tactical understanding. The GFA President believes that the match against Côte d’Ivoire will be a pivotal moment in their journey towards qualification. The team’s preparation for the match includes rigorous training and tactical analysis, aiming to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase their evolving skills and determination.
Further details regarding the GFA’s strategy for the match and the team’s overall approach to the qualifiers are expected to be released in the coming days. The significance of this match extends beyond just the outcome; it represents a crucial moment in Ghana’s journey toward achieving their AFCON aspirations. The GFA is committed to providing the Black Stars with the resources and support necessary to navigate this challenging stage of the qualifiers.
**Source:** Adom Online.”
**Tags:** AFCON, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kurt Okraku, Africa Cup of Nations, Football
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