Black Stars have ‘no business’ missing out on AFCON 2027 - Ex-GFA veep George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie says the Black Stars have “no business” failing to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ghana will begin their Group C qualifying campaign away to reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later.

Somalia complete the four-team group, with the top two sides guaranteed places at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Afriyie believes Ghana should be capable of finishing second in the group even if Côte d’Ivoire are regarded as the strongest side.

“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 urged the football authorities to ensure the Black Stars’ management structure is fully operational ahead of the qualifiers. He said effective planning, logistics and the timing of player call-ups would be crucial to Ghana’s hopes of securing qualification.

“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. Ghana’s opening match against Côte d’Ivoire will provide an early test for Carlos Queiroz, who has retained his position as Black Stars head coach after guiding the team to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

The Black Stars will then face The Gambia in Accra before taking on Somalia in the remaining group fixtures. The campaign is particularly important for Ghana after they failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a long-standing run of appearances at the continental tournament.

Queiroz will now be tasked with ensuring Ghana make an immediate return to the finals, with Afriyie insisting the Black Stars should have enough quality to secure one of the two qualifying places from Group C.