Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku says he remains confident the Black Stars can make a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign despite a series of high-profile withdrawals.
The four-time African champions have assembled for the first time since their 2026 World Cup campaign as they prepare to face Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening Group C qualifiers.
Carlos Queiroz’s squad has been weakened by the absence of several key players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Prince Kwabena Adu, Alidu Seidu and Nathaniel Adjei.
Despite those setbacks, Okraku has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the team.
“I am positive about the players that the coach has assembled. They are very good players, very dedicated, and what we have to do is support these players,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
The GFA president acknowledged the squad’s limited preparation time but insisted unity would be crucial to Ghana’s hopes of returning to the continental tournament after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“The players have had two days of training sessions, which is not good, but the players have trained and at this point what we have to do as a country is support the team and ensure we qualify for the AFCON, where we belong,” he said.
Okraku also pointed to Ghana’s recent recovery from disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
“In 2018, we did not qualify for the World Cup, but when we came together, we made it to 2022 and 2026. This is where we belong, and I know that when we qualify, everyone will be happy.”
The Black Stars have responded to the latest absences with a number of late call-ups as Carlos Queiroz prepares his squad for the opening assignment.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey are among the players added to the squad.
Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have also received their first call-ups to the senior national team.
The Black Stars open their qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
Ghana will then round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October as Queiroz continues preparations for the rest of the qualifying campaign.
