Ghana have ‘no business’ missing AFCON 2027, says George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association vice-president George Afriyie insists the Black Stars have "no business" missing the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana face reigning African champions Côte d'Ivoire in their opening Group C match on September 24 in Bouaké, followed by a home game against The Gambia three days later. The third team in their group is Somalia, with the top two sides securing a place in the co-hosted tournament by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Afriyie believes Ghana should be able to finish at least second in the group, even if Côte d'Ivoire tops the table. He told Graphic Sports, "Let's say Côte d'Ivoire is the top team in the group, so let's take them out. 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 called on the association to ensure the Black Stars' management structure is fully functional before the qualifiers. Effective planning, logistics and timely player call-ups would be vital for Ghana's qualification chances, Afriyie stressed. Ghana's World Cup campaign under Carlos Queiroz, who led them to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, provides a springboard for their upcoming qualifiers.

After a decade without qualifying for AFCON, Ghana aims to return to Africa's top international competition with their 2027 campaign set to begin later this month.