Black Stars will qualify for 2027 AFCON despite disappointing start to qualifiers – Kofi Adams

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams remains confident the Black Stars will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite losing their opening two matches.

Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké before squandering a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The results have left the four-time African champions bottom of Group C without a point, increasing the pressure on the team after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars' struggles also preceded the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, who parted ways with the Ghana Football Association following the team's poor run of results.

Despite the setbacks, Adams believes Ghana can turn their fortunes around and secure qualification for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Speaking on Asempa FM, the minister admitted that Ghana's defeat to The Gambia was difficult to watch but insisted he remained optimistic about the team's chances.

"I must admit that nobody would want to be in my situation when the Black Stars played against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium," he said.

"It was difficult to watch the team lose. I could not believe what happened, but I am convinced the team will qualify for the AFCON tournament," he added.

The Black Stars will regroup next month for their Matchday 3 and 4 fixtures against Somalia as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign.

The Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have announced that an interim technical team will oversee the squad for the two matches.

Ghana are hoping to return to the continental showpiece after missing the previous edition, held in Morocco, where they failed to progress from the qualifying campaign.

With their hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament already under pressure, the upcoming double-header against Somalia could prove crucial to the Black Stars' chances of getting their campaign back on track.