George Afriyie Demands AFCON 2027 Qualification as Carlos Queiroz Takes Charge of Black Stars

Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, faces a defining moment as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers under the leadership of newly reappointed head coach Carlos Queiroz. Following the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 tournament, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has set a clear mandate for Queiroz: secure a spot in the 2027 edition. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that leadership has held extensive strategy sessions with the Portuguese coach to enhance team performance and ensure the nation avoids another qualification failure.

The pressure on the team and the GFA has been further amplified by former GFA Vice-President George Afriyie, who delivered a blunt assessment of the nation's footballing status. Afriyie asserted that Ghana has "no business doing football" if the Black Stars cannot finish in the top two of Group C, which includes Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia. While acknowledging Côte d’Ivoire as the toughest opponent in the group, Afriyie insisted that failing to overcome The Gambia and Somalia would be inexcusable for a country with Ghana’s prestigious football legacy.

To bolster the squad for this critical campaign, the Black Stars are set to welcome Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah, who is reportedly finalizing his switch of international allegiance to Ghana. Former GFA Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara confirmed that Nketiah is taking the necessary steps to be available for the upcoming qualification matches. This recruitment effort aligns with calls from Afriyie and other stakeholders for the GFA to strengthen its management, logistics, and player preparations to ensure the team is fully prepared for the rigors of international competition.

The road to AFCON 2027 begins on September 24 with a high-stakes opening fixture against Côte d’Ivoire. This match will serve as an immediate test of Queiroz’s tactical approach and the GFA’s renewed organizational focus. As the Black Stars gear up for subsequent matches against Somalia and The Gambia, the footballing community remains watchful, echoing the sentiment that nothing less than qualification will restore the nation's pride on the continent.