Kurt Okraku Urges Black Stars to Show Passion Amid Disappointing Start to AFCON Qualifiers
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku expressed his frustration with the Black Stars players over their disappointing start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Okraku addressed the team on Tuesday ahead of their games against Sudan, openly criticizing their lackluster performances in the opening matches.
The Black Stars began their campaign with a defeat in Kumasi against Angola, citing poor pitch conditions as a factor. However, even on a better pitch in Morocco, they failed to impress, managing only a draw against Niger in a game marred by a lack of passion and urgency. With only one point from two games, Ghana faces a tough road to qualification, and Okraku’s words reflected the urgency of the situation.
“The minimum I expect, the minimum Ghana expects is a team of boys or men who will show passion and desire to play for our country. Not when you are dribbled and you will be seen walking on the pitch as the ball heads towards your net. That is impossible, I told the coach,” he said. “It’s either you guys decide to die for Ghana…or decide you will not, then you’ll never be selected.”
Okraku reminded the players of the importance of wearing the national jersey: “Once you depart your various places and come here to put on the shirt, naturally, that should give you the pride to fight, to show passion, to show aggression, and to show desire to win.”
Ghana’s upcoming doubleheader against Sudan, with games on October 10 and a return fixture in Libya four days later, presents an opportunity to turn things around. Currently, Ghana, with just one point, trails group leaders Angola (6 points) and second-placed Sudan (3 points).
