Black Stars' 2027 AFCON chances of qualification are not over despite poor start

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie believes the Black Stars can still qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite losing their opening two matches.

Ghana began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 loss to The Gambia in Accra, having taken a two-goal lead.

The results have left the Black Stars bottom of the group without a point, but Afriyie insists their qualification hopes remain alive.

Speaking to Sporty FM, he urged Ghana to assemble their strongest possible squad for the remaining four matches.

“Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are not over,” he said.

“We should assemble the best squad for the rest of the games.

“It’s a league format, so if we can win the rest of the games, hopefully we will qualify,” Afriyie added.

Ghana will return to action next month with a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars will then host Ivory Coast before travelling to face The Gambia in their final group fixture.

Ghana are seeking a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco.

The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.