C.K. Akonnor Confident in Black Stars’ World Cup Qualification
Former Black Stars head coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has expressed his strong belief that Ghana will successfully qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Currently ranked second in Group I with nine points, the team is preparing for two crucial matches—first against Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by an away fixture against Madagascar on March 24 in Morocco. Akonnor, who previously coached top Ghanaian clubs such as Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, believes that the national team has learned valuable lessons from their disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He emphasized that the players are mature, experienced professionals who understand the importance of these matches and will do everything necessary to secure victories. Speaking to Graphic Sports, Akonnor expressed confidence that Ghana is more likely to win both games than drop points, given the current state of the squad and their determination to redeem themselves.
The former coach also highlighted the team's mentality and motivation, stressing that the squad selected by current head coach Otto Addo is fully aware of the stakes. He explained that after failing to qualify for AFCON, the players recognize that reaching the World Cup is now their only way to make amends. According to Akonnor, Ghana’s upcoming opponents—Chad and Madagascar—should not be considered major threats if the Black Stars stay focused and play at their best. He also pointed out that playing Madagascar in Morocco, rather than on their home turf, could work to Ghana’s advantage since Madagascar will miss out on the support of their home crowd. However, Akonnor cautioned against complacency, stating that football has evolved, and even teams perceived as weaker have the ability to cause upsets. He urged the players to approach the matches with maximum seriousness and commitment to avoid any unexpected disappointments.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have already begun their training sessions in preparation for these decisive fixtures. Their first session took place on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with nine players reporting for training. The rest of the squad is expected to arrive soon, as the team intensifies preparations for the upcoming matches. With the home game against Chad scheduled for Friday at 19:00 GMT, anticipation is growing among fans, who are eager to see the Black Stars take a major step toward World Cup qualification. The second match against Madagascar, set for Monday, will also be a crucial test of Ghana’s resilience and determination. Akonnor’s optimism reflects the belief that the national team has what it takes to return to the world’s biggest football tournament. As the Black Stars prepare for these decisive moments, all eyes will be on their performance to see if they can turn their ambitions into reality.
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