Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo says Ghana must secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the team’s failure to qualify for the previous edition left the country disappointed.
Ghana missed out on the last AFCON tournament in Morocco, ending a long-standing run of appearances at the continental competition.
The senior national team will begin their qualifying campaign with a demanding trip to Bouaké, where they face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September.
The Black Stars then return to the Accra Sports Stadium to host The Gambia on 27 September as Queiroz seeks to build early momentum in Group C.
Speaking to the media after the team opened camp on Monday, Sibo believes Ghana’s history and reputation in African football make qualification an immediate priority for the team.
“The only thing I have in mind is we have to qualify for this AFCON, because I think the last AFCON that we didn’t qualify for was a big disappointment for all Ghanaians,” Sibo said.
“When it comes to African history, the Ghana national team is one of the African teams that even in the world everybody knows about how passionate Ghana football is, so I just feel like this is the right time that we have to make things right.”
The midfielder also praised head coach Carlos Queiroz, describing the Portuguese tactician as a disciplined and tactical coach who prepares for matches based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.
“What I would say is he’s a very disciplined coach and a very tactical coach. He approaches every game by what he sees from the opponent,” Sibo explained.
Sibo, however, believes there is still room for improvement within the Black Stars, both collectively and individually, as the team begins a new phase under Queiroz.
“So I think we are playing under him; there are things that I feel like we can improve as a team and as individuals,” he added.
Queiroz was reappointed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in September following his initial mandate, which included leading the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His new mandate begins with the upcoming international window, with AFCON qualification now the immediate objective.
Sibo also welcomed competition for places in the squad, arguing that having quality players competing for the same positions can push individuals to improve and ultimately benefit the national team.
“Yes, I just believe that this team, we need to be competitive every time in the team, so if we have players that play in the same position, I think it’s something that is very good for each and everyone in the team to push ourselves so that we can give the best to the nation,” he said.
Sibo was part of the Black Stars squad at the 2026 World Cup, starting Ghana’s matches against England, Croatia and Colombia.
Following the qualifiers, Ghana will round off the international window with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
