Vice Chairman of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, has assured Ghanaian football fans that the national team is fully committed to regaining their lost pride as they gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Following a disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they failed to secure a single victory and exited the tournament at the bottom of their group, the Black Stars have faced heavy criticism. Their struggle has been evident, with only two wins recorded throughout 2024, raising concerns about the team’s form and ability to compete at the highest level. However, as they prepare for crucial qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar, Appiah is optimistic about the squad’s readiness. His confidence stems from recent developments, including the visit of former Ghanaian President John Mahama to the team’s camp. According to Appiah, Mahama’s speech was inspiring, urging the players to give their all for the nation, emphasizing that football unites Ghanaians beyond political affiliations.
Reflecting on the impact of Mahama’s words, Appiah reiterated his belief that the players are highly motivated to make the country proud in their upcoming matches. He emphasized that the team understands the importance of these games and is determined to change the narrative after their recent disappointments. He called on Ghanaian supporters to show up in large numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium for their home game against Chad, highlighting the crucial role that fan support plays in boosting the team’s morale. According to him, when the players see the stadium filled with enthusiastic supporters, it pushes them to perform at their best. Appiah remains hopeful that the Black Stars will secure a vital win against Chad before heading to Morocco to face Madagascar in their second fixture. Both matches are pivotal for Ghana’s World Cup qualification journey, and victories will help restore confidence in the team while improving their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Beyond the immediate qualifiers, Appiah’s message also reflects the broader challenge facing Ghanaian football. The Black Stars have been struggling to reclaim their former glory, with recent tournaments exposing their weaknesses. However, the presence of influential figures like Appiah and Mahama encouraging the players signals a renewed sense of belief in the team’s potential. If Ghana secures positive results in these matches, it could mark the beginning of a resurgence for the national team. Appiah’s call for unity and unwavering support from fans underscores the deep emotional connection Ghanaians have with football. With the first game set for Friday at 19:00 GMT in Accra and the second on Monday at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Black Stars can rise to the occasion. Regardless of past failures, the team now has a chance to rewrite their story, and with the right mindset, they can rekindle the faith of their supporters and move closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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