AFCON 2027: Ghana has no business doing football if we can’t beat Somalia and The Gambia to qualify – George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has expressed serious concerns about Ghana's football prospects in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. According to Afriyie, Ghana has no business pursuing the sport if they cannot finish as one of the top two teams in their Group C, which includes reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia.

Group C presents a tough challenge, with Côte d’Ivoire expected to be the most formidable opponent. However, Afriyie insists that failing to beat The Gambia and Somalia would be a major letdown for a country with Ghana's rich football history. He believes another qualification failure, following Ghana's absence from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, would be difficult to justify.

The Black Stars would need to prove their mettle by overcoming all three teams in their group, with the opening match against Côte d’Ivoire scheduled for September 24 in Bouaké.

Afriyie's comments highlight the need for Ghana to focus not just on player quality, but also on building the right structures and preparing thoroughly for the qualifiers. This includes appointing a full Black Stars Management Committee, managing player call-ups effectively, and coordinating logistics. The head coach, Carlos Queiroz, will be under pressure to lead Ghana to at least the second spot in the group.

For Afriyie, Ghana's football future depends on the team's ability to secure a top-two finish in their 2027 AFCON qualifying group.