Former Ghana international, Mohammed Rabiu Al-Hassan, has urged the Black Stars to show determination and execute proper performance as they face crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Speaking exclusively to Kumasi based Akoma FM, Rabiu emphasised that securing back-to-back wins in these fixtures is the only way to revive Ghana's chances of securing a spot in the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The former Paris FC midfielder spoke ahead of this Friday's showdown in Accra, where Ghana will battle Chad in a bid to get on a path of securing qualification.
“This Black Stars team has lost trust in itself. They possess the talent and skills required at this level, but they lack belief. I know they are capable of performing better.
“I hope their confidence returns soon, allowing them to secure victories. When the game starts, no matter how tough it gets, they should fight, run, and pass the ball. Their confidence will grow, enabling them to give their best for Ghana.”
“Looking at the players we have now, they are talented. You can’t compare Comoros’ squad to Ghana’s. What the Black Stars need is self-belief and determination to fight for Ghana.”
Rabiu represented the Black Satellites on international level, and played with the team in the qualifications for the 2009 African Youth Championship in Rwanda. In 2008, he was called up to the Black Stars squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana.
After an illustrious playing career in Italy, Spain, Russia and France, Rabiu transitioned into Cocoa farming. Recently a video which was circulating on social media shows Rabiu working on his expansive cocoa farm, raising questions about his financial status. However, Rabiu remains unperturbed by those remarks.
“I hear people saying I must have broken or mismanaged my football earnings. But my brothers can testify to the investment I’ve made in farming. I’ve never lacked or suffered. The elders in the community motivate me to keep going, and I’m content with my decision,” he said.
Black Stars will be led by Ghana-born German tactician Otto Addo, but many Ghanaian football fanatics remain sceptical about his ability to steer the team to World Cup qualification.
The Black Stars will host Chad at Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, and then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on March 24, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
