We will make an impact at 2027 AFCON, says Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi believes Ghana have the quality and determination to make a strong impression at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in East Africa.

The confidence from the St. Gallen shot-stopper comes after Ghana’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

With the team now preparing for the AFCON qualifiers scheduled to begin in September, Ati-Zigi has backed the current squad to secure qualification and compete strongly at the continental showpiece, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

"If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players," Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM in an interview.

The goalkeeper is also confident Ghana can go beyond qualification and make a mark at the tournament.

"I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year," he added.

Ghana has been drawn in Group C of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia.

The Black Stars are hoping to return to Africa’s biggest football competition after missing out on the previous edition hosted in Morocco, ending a long-standing run of consecutive AFCON appearances.