Black Stars 2025 AFCON failure was ‘lowest moment’ in my life – GFA boss Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku maintains confidence in the Black Stars' ability to secure a positive result against Côte d’Ivoire despite a significant number of key players being ruled out for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The national team has been forced to make several changes following injuries and personal reasons affecting Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei, and Alidu Seidu.

Okraku expressed optimism about the players brought in to replace the absent stars, stating their dedication and capability to compete against Ivory Coast when Ghana begins their qualifying campaign in Bouaké. The GFA president emphasized the need for support from everyone, including prayers, to aid the team. Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz has reshaped his squad with Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey stepping in as replacements, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim made their first senior national team appearances.

The match against Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for September 24th in Bouaké, followed by a home game against Gambia three days later. The Black Stars hope to return to the AFCON following their absence since the 2025 tournament in Morocco, which ended a streak of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the continental showpiece.

The team will conclude their international window with a friendly match against Morocco in Tangier on October 4th.