Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has issued a reassuring message to the Black Stars, emphasizing the team’s newfound confidence as they prepare to face Ivory Coast in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Black Stars, who achieved a historic victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now aim to recapture the momentum and ultimately return to Africa’s premier football tournament after a period of significant setbacks. Okraku stated that the team has moved beyond the psychological hurdles that plagued their performances in crucial matches, a sentiment widely echoed within the Black Stars’ coaching staff and squad.
The Black Stars are slated to begin their qualifying campaign against the Elephants in September, with the GFA president believing the squad is positioned favorably for a strong showing. Their journey to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals was a remarkable feat, marking the first time since 2010 that Ghana had reached the knockout stages, a testament to a sustained period of improvement. The Black Stars’ recent resurgence has been a significant factor in their aspirations for a return to the African AFCON final, a goal they had previously missed due to logistical and political challenges following Morocco’s exclusion in the previous tournament.
Okraku addressed the matter directly, stating that ‘that psychological block of losing games doesn’t exist anymore within this team.’ He emphasized that the squad is now operating with a renewed sense of optimism and a clear focus on achieving success. The GFA president underscored the importance of this shift in mindset, emphasizing that the Black Stars are now approaching Côte d’Ivoire with unwavering confidence and a determined desire to compete at the highest level. The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign will involve a challenging group stage, featuring Somalia and The Gambia, who will be seeking a return to the AFCON final after a hiatus of over two decades. The Group C consists of Ghana, Somalia, and The Gambia, all four-time African champions, representing a significant hurdle in their quest to qualify for the tournament. The stakes are high, and the Black Stars’ journey to the final stages of the qualifying process will be a critical test of their resilience and tactical prowess.
The match against the Elephants is scheduled to take place on September 24th, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, with a kick-off time of 19:00 GMT. The GFA has indicated that the team will be closely monitoring the progress of their opponents, recognizing that Côte d’Ivoire presents a formidable challenge. The Black Stars’ journey to qualifying for the AFCON is anticipated to be a closely watched event, with the entire nation eager to see the team demonstrate their continued growth and ambition. The GFA president further highlighted the squad’s strong performance in the 2026 World Cup, noting that their recent victory provided a significant boost to their morale and confidence. The Black Stars’ current form is a key element of their strategy for the qualifying campaign, and the GFA is confident that the team will utilize this momentum to achieve their objectives.
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Source: Adom Sports
