GFA President Kurt Okraku Reflects on AFCON Lessons Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has emphasized the importance of learning from past failures as the Black Stars gear up for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Following a dismal performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where Ghana finished bottom of their group without a single win, Okraku is determined to ensure that the team does not repeat its mistakes.
Ghana’s lackluster showing in the AFCON qualifiers, which marked the first time the nation finished a qualifying campaign winless, resulted in their absence from the tournament—a stark reminder of the need for improvement. The Black Stars managed only two wins in 2024 and have struggled for form, remaining winless in their last nine months.
As they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad on March 21 and Madagascar three days later, Okraku is optimistic about the team’s prospects. “I think hard lessons have been learnt by everybody, me inclusive,” he stated in an exclusive interview. “I hope that the players, technical team, and everyone involved will use this as motivation to fulfill our responsibilities to the nation.”
Currently, the Black Stars find themselves in a better position in the World Cup qualifiers, having secured nine points from their first four matches and sitting second in their group. This campaign offers a chance for redemption, with the team on track to qualify for the World Cup for the fifth time.
