President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Black Stars to kick the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON ) disappointment into touch and focus on securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana suffered a shocking setback, failing to qualify for the continent’s premier football tournament for the first time in 20 years.
Despite being four-time champions, they struggled to make an impact, losing all six qualifying matches and finishing at the bottom of their group, which was initially considered a “cakewalk” for the Black Stars.
During a morale-boosting visit to the team’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, Mahama encouraged the players to put the AFCON debacle behind them and shift gears towards redeeming themselves in the upcoming qualifiers.
“Before you start the qualifiers, let’s put the AFCON debacle behind us and look forward, knowing that we can redeem ourselves. I know that in the World Cup qualifiers, you’re going to redeem yourselves. And if we play well, we will qualify.”
President Mahama also stressed that delivering impressive performances is crucial to winning back the trust and support of Ghanaians who are still recovering from the AFCON heartbreaks.
“Ghanaians will find it in their hearts to come fully behind the team again. And I know you can do it. You’re all talented players. We’re going to continue to support you, not only for the World Cup but beyond. We think that we must build a very strong team.”
Prez Mahama also assured the Black Stars total backing from Ghanaians, including his own personal presence at the game.
“I will take time off and watch the game myself even though my heart is not very good at watching soccer. They say I should eat before I go and watch. My hope is that you will justify my sitting and watching you guys. The whole of Ghana is going to be behind you and I’m sure that you can make it.”
With their World C up qualification hopes on the line, the Black Stars are gearing up to face Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before making a tricky trip to Morocco to face Madagasc ar on March 24.
