Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku remains confident the Black Stars can secure a positive result against Côte d’Ivoire despite a
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku remains confident the Black Stars can secure a positive result against Côte d’Ivoire despite a string of key absences ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The four-time African champions have been forced into several changes after Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei and Alidu Seidu were all ruled out through injury or personal reasons.
However, Okraku believes the players called up to replace them are capable of rising to the challenge when Ghana open their qualifying campaign in Bouaké.
“I am very positive that the players assembled are good enough, very dedicated to fight for Ghana [against Ivory Coast],” Okraku told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
“What they need is support. We need the prayers of everyone to support the players and the team.
“If the team qualifies back for the AFCON, it’s a glory to Ghana because that is where we belong.”
The withdrawals have compelled head coach Carlos Queiroz to reshape his squad ahead of the opening Group C fixtures.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey have been drafted in as replacements, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have earned their first senior national team call-ups.
Ghana face Côte d’Ivoire away in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The Black Stars are aiming to return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the tournament.
Queiroz’s side will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October. https://cdn.vuukle.com/widgets/sharebar.html?version=2.23.0