2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Kurt Okraku calls for positivity and support ahead of Black Stars' opening games

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has called for positivity and support for the Black Stars as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Ghana, four-time African champions, face Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C fixture in Bouaké on Thursday before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later.

However, head coach Carlos Queiroz has been forced to make several changes to his squad after a number of key players withdrew.

Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei and Prince Kwabena Adu are among those unavailable because of injuries and personal reasons.

Despite the absences, Okraku has urged supporters to back the team and avoid spreading inaccurate information.

“We should be positive about the team and support the team ahead of the games. It is not easy for the players, but they are always committed to the course of Ghana,” he told Asempa FM.

“And so what we need to do is to support the team and not to say things that are not factual.”

Queiroz has responded to the withdrawals by bringing in several players, including Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey.

Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have also received their first call-ups to the senior national team.

Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké before returning home to play The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the hosts in Tangier on 4 October, as Queiroz continues preparations for the remainder of the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and will be seeking to secure a place at the next edition, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.