Ghana’s AFCON mistakes helped Ivory Coast’s title triumph, says Kurt Okraku

Ghana's Football Association President Kurt Okraku has suggested that Ivory Coast's victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was facilitated by errors made by the Ghana national team during the tournament. Speaking ahead of Ghana's upcoming qualifier against Ivory Coast in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Okraku highlighted the Black Stars' recent success but emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes.

"Cote d'Ivoire have done well in recent years. They benefited from some of the mistakes we made to become African champions," Okraku stated to 3Sports. Ivory Coast claimed their title on home soil after a dramatic group-stage escape and an impressive run to the final under coach Emery Fae. Okraku pointed to Ghana's collapse against Mozambique as the turning point in the tournament.

"On matchday three, Ghana hosted Mozambique. They were leading 2-0 in the 89th minute, seemingly on the verge of advancing to the knockout stage. However, after just four minutes, the score was tied at 2-2, and Ivory Coast, who were on the verge of elimination, found themselves back in contention, ultimately going on to win the AFCON."

Ghana, aiming for their first AFCON title since 1982, will face Ivory Coast in their 2027 qualifying opener on September 24 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. They will be followed by Somalia and The Gambia in Group C.