Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Black Stars’ underwhelming start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Speaking ahead of their crucial doubleheader against Sudan, Okraku criticised the team’s lack of passion and urgency following a disappointing performance in their first two matches.
Ghana opened their campaign with a defeat to Angola in Kumasi, blaming the poor state of the pitch for the result. However, even on a better surface in Morocco, the team could only manage a lacklustre draw against Niger.
With just one point from two games, the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for AFCON now hang in the balance. Okraku’s message reflected the growing pressure on the team to perform.
“The minimum I expect, the minimum Ghana expects, is a team that will show passion and desire to play for our country,” Okraku stated. “It’s either you decide to die for Ghana, or you will not, and then you’ll never be selected.”
The GFA President went on to remind the players of the honour of representing Ghana.
“Once you put on the national jersey, that should give you the pride to fight, to show passion, aggression, and the desire to win.”
The Black Stars face Sudan in two vital fixtures, with the first match set for Thursday, October 10, and the return leg four days later in Libya.
Ghana currently trails group leaders Angola, who have six points, and Sudan, who have three.
Failure to secure maximum points from these games could see Ghana miss out on AFCON qualification for the first time since 2004.
As the pressure mounts, Okraku’s words serve as both a rallying cry and a warning to the team.
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