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 begin their Group C campaign away to reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
Somalia complete the four-team group, with the top two sides qualifying for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Afriyie believes Ghana should be capable of finishing at least second in the group, despite facing 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 urged the association to ensure the Black Stars’ management structure is fully operational before the qualifiers.
He said effective planning, logistics and timely player call-ups would be crucial to Ghana’s chances of securing qualification.
“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.
Ghana’s opening match against Côte d’Ivoire will provide an immediate test for Carlos Queiroz, who has been retained as Black Stars coach following his success at the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 under the Portuguese coach.
Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a run of 10 successive appearances at the tournament.
They will now be seeking an immediate return to Africa’s premier international competition when their 2027 qualifying campaign gets under way later this month.
