Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has insisted that the Black Stars have “no business” failing to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana are set to begin their Group C qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later.
Somalia complete the four-team group, with the top two teams guaranteed qualification to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
While acknowledging Côte d’Ivoire’s status as the strongest team in the group, Afriyie believes Ghana possess enough quality to secure at least second place and book their ticket to the continental showpiece.
“Let’s say Côte d’Ivoire is the top team in the group, so let’s take them out,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
“But we have no business doing football in Ghana if we can’t beat Gambia and Somalia in picking at least the second spot.”
The former GFA official also called on the football authorities to ensure that the Black Stars’ management structure is fully operational ahead of the crucial qualifying campaign.
According to Afriyie, proper planning, logistics and the timely invitation of players will be vital if Ghana are to avoid another disappointing qualification campaign.
“We must ensure a full Black Stars Management Committee is active and focused on qualification, logistics and player call-up timing, and prepare thoroughly for the qualifiers,” he said.
The opening clash against Côte d’Ivoire will also serve as an early test for Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has retained his position after guiding Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the trip to Bouaké, Ghana will return home to face The Gambia before completing their remaining Group C fixtures against Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire.
The 2027 AFCON campaign carries added significance for the Black Stars after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, ending their long-standing run of appearances at the continental tournament.
With two qualification spots available from the group, Queiroz will be expected to lead Ghana back to the AFCON finals, while Afriyie remains confident that the Black Stars have more than enough quality to achieve that objective.
