The Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has openly acknowledged the deep disappointment surrounding Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The four-time African champions struggled throughout the qualifying campaign, managing only three points from six matches, with three draws and three losses. This underwhelming performance led to their elimination from the prestigious tournament set to take place in Morocco. Missing out on AFCON has been a tough blow for both the team and their supporters, as Ghana has long been a dominant force in African football. Despite this setback, Appiah remains optimistic about the squad’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing that the players are eager to make amends in their upcoming matches. The team is now focused on their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in two crucial encounters.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Appiah, who played a vital role in leading Ghana to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006, assured fans that the team is working hard to regain its competitive edge. He highlighted the dedication and determination displayed by the players during training sessions, stressing that they are motivated to put on a much-improved performance in the upcoming fixtures. Appiah also acknowledged the words of encouragement from former President John Mahama, who visited the team to boost their morale. He noted that Mahama urged the players to give their all for the nation, putting aside political differences and focusing on restoring national pride. With this renewed sense of purpose, Appiah is confident that the Black Stars will rise to the occasion and deliver positive results against Chad and Madagascar.
As part of their preparations, the Black Stars will first host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 20, in a must-win game to set the tone for the qualifiers. Shortly after, they will travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in another decisive fixture. The team’s head coach, Otto Addo, has been working closely with the players to fine-tune their strategies ahead of these crucial matches. With training sessions wrapping up ahead of Friday’s clash, the squad remains focused on executing their game plan effectively. Appiah also called on Ghanaian fans to show up in large numbers and support the team, emphasizing the importance of crowd energy in motivating the players. While the disappointment of missing AFCON lingers, the Black Stars are now determined to shift their focus towards securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring that Ghana’s football legacy continues on the global stage.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0