George Afriyie: Ghana have "no business" missing 2027 AFCON spot

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie says the Black Stars have "no business" failing to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they prepare to begin their campaign against Côte d'Ivoire later this month.

Ghana open their Group C qualifying campaign away to the reigning African champions in Bouaké on 24 September, before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

With Somalia completing the four-team group, Afriyie believes Ghana should be confident of securing one of the two qualification places despite the challenge posed by Côte d'Ivoire.

"Let's say Côte d'Ivoire is the top team in the group, so let's take them out," Afriyie told Graphic Sports.

"But we have no business doing football in Ghana if we can't beat Gambia and Somalia in picking at least the second spot."

The former GFA official also called for the Black Stars' management structure to be fully operational ahead of the qualifiers, stressing that preparations off the pitch could be just as important as performances on it.

"We must ensure a full Black Stars Management Committee is active and focused on qualification, logistics and player call-up timing, and prepare thoroughly for the qualifiers," he said.

Ghana's opening fixture at the Stade de la Paix is expected to provide an early test against a Côte d'Ivoire side that won the 2023 AFCON on home soil.

The Black Stars will then look to build momentum when they welcome The Gambia to Accra, with matches against Somalia also set to play a crucial role in the race for qualification.

The campaign carries added significance for Ghana after missing out on qualification for the previous AFCON tournament in Morocco, ending a run of appearances at Africa's biggest football competition.

The Black Stars will now aim to secure an immediate return to the continental finals under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz as head coach, with the top two teams from Group C progressing to the 2027 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.