Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, are riding a wave of renewed determination after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Defender Jerome Opoku believes the team’s failure to qualify for the continental tournament has ignited a fierce resolve to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite their storied history as four-time African champions, the Black Stars struggled in the AFCON qualifiers, finishing last in their group with a mere three points from six matches.
However, the team has since turned their fortunes around in the World Cup qualifiers, breaking a six-game winless streak with consecutive victories against Chad and Madagascar in March during Matchday 5 and 6. These results have catapulted Ghana to the top of Group I with 15 points, with four crucial matches remaining.
Opoku, a standout performer in the emphatic win over Madagascar, credits the team’s resurgence to the sting of their AFCON disappointment. “We have much bigger motivation now,” Opoku told Flashscore.
“Missing out on the AFCON was a huge disappointment for us, for the fans, and for the whole country. That setback has given us a deeper hunger to make things right by qualifying for the World Cup.”
With their sights set on the global stage, Opoku exudes confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to clinch qualification. “I am 200% confident of qualifying,” he declared.
“That’s the goal, and we know it won’t come easy. But we’ve regrouped, and we’re determined to give everything to stay on top and get the job done.”
Ghana’s journey continues with challenging fixtures against Chad and Mali in September for Matchday 7 and 8, followed by their final qualifiers against Central African Republic and Comoros.
