{
  "id": 14710240,
  "title": "AFCON 2027: Sports Minister ‘convinced’ Black Stars will qualify despite losing opening two games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/afcon-2027-sports-minister-convinced-black-stars-will-qualify-despite",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:34:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/afcon-2027-sports-minister-convinced-black-stars-will-qualify-despite-losing-opening-two-games/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams maintains faith in the Black Stars' qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite two recent defeats. The team suffered a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 4-2 setback against The Gambia, leaving them at the bottom of Group C. These results prompted former Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz to step down from his role as tactician for the national team. Speaking on Asempa FM, Adams acknowledged the difficulty of watching the team lose, yet expressed his belief in their ability to secure a spot in the AFCON tournament. Ghana will host Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium in November, with the Black Stars needing to win to revitalize their qualifying campaign. A temporary technical team is set to be formed for the upcoming matches. The 2027 AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.",
  "summary": "Ghana sit at the bottom of Group C after a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké and a disappointing 4-2 loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "‘How long will Mirabai alone keep winning medals?’ Sports minister asks federations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/how-long-will-mirabai-alone-keep-winning-medals-sports-minister-asks",
        "published": "2026-10-15T13:12:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Marvin Senaya returns to grass as Black Stars defender steps up injury recovery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/marvin-senaya-returns-to-grass-as-black-stars-defender-steps-up",
        "published": "2026-10-15T14:23:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}