Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has advised Ghanaians to temper their expectations regarding the Black Stars' prospects of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
"Despite the recent 2-1 comeback victory against Mali in Bamako, Boateng believes that the pressure on the team should be eased, considering the current state of Ghanaian football," as he stated.
Boateng stressed the need to alleviate pressure on the team, citing the current state of Ghanaian football.
"Our game is really down. We don't have to put pressure on the team to be at the World Cup at all costs. When we win, it's fine, but Ghana doesn't want to be at the World Cup and be out at the group stages like we did in 2014," he emphasized.
"We want to go there and compete. Right now, we're not on our level; we don't have to say we're there because we won against Mali. No, we are not; it takes time to get there," he added.
Boateng underscored that failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup shouldn't be viewed as a failure, emphasizing the importance of allowing the team to develop.
Following the victory against Mali, Ghana now has six points from three games. However, they currently sit behind Madagascar and Comoros due to goal superiority.
The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday as part of the World Cup qualifying series.
