Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku, has urged the Black Stars to redeem themselves in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic.
Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari has joined his teammates at camp in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Bukari, who recently moved from Serbian club Red Star Belgrade to Austin FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), missed the initial training session on Friday due to his transfer.
With Bukari's arrival, 25 out of the 26 invited players are now in camp, with only defender Alexander Djiku yet to report. Djiku, who plays for Fenerbahce, is expected to join the team later as he recovers from an arm injury sustained while playing for his club.
The Black Stars will continue their training on Saturday, June 1, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. They are scheduled to travel next week to face Mali on June 6, and will then host the Central African Republic on June 10.
Currently sitting fourth in Group I with three points, following a win against Madagascar and a loss to Comoros, these upcoming matches are crucial for Ghana. The Black Stars aim to improve their standings and bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has rallied Andre Ayew and feels he is still influential and still has more to offer to the senior men national team both on and off the pitch.
Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has rallied Andre Ayew and feels he is still influential and still has more to offer to the senior men national team both on and off the pitch.
Twenty-four players trained at the University of Ghana Stadium on day-one of the Black Stars build up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic.
Ghanaian football sensation Antoine Semenyo, currently with AFC Bournemouth, has set his sights on finding the back of the net in the upcoming clashes against Mali and Central African Republic (CAR).
Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu acknowledges the challenging task ahead for Ghana as they face Mali in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Bamako on June 6, 2024.
Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu has issued a cautionary note ahead of Ghana's pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako.
Speaking candidly in an interview following the team's rigorous training session at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Salisu underscored the formidable challenge posed by the Malian side and stressed the imperative of meticulous preparation.
"It’s evident that facing Mali won't be a walk in the park. They boast a strong lineup, and it's imperative that we approach this match with thorough preparation," Salisu conveyed to the gathered press.
Having experienced a mixed start in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, with one win and one loss in their first two encounters, the Black Stars are keenly aware of the significance of securing a victory to bolster their standings. Commencing their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Madagascar in Kumasi, they encountered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Comoros in Moroni.
With Ghana currently positioned in 4th place in the group, there's an urgent desire to reclaim winning momentum and enhance their prospects of World Cup qualification, especially considering the tournament's forthcoming edition slated to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The crucial face-off against Mali is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako, with kick-off slated for 19:00. Following this pivotal clash, Ghana will turn their focus to a home fixture against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Antoine Semenyo, a key figure in the Ghanaian national team, has expressed his confidence in newly appointed head coach Otto Addo to guide the Black Stars to qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Having been part of the squad during the disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast, Semenyo acknowledges the past setbacks but emphasizes the team's focus on the future under Addo's leadership.
Reflecting on the disappointment of the previous tournament, Semenyo states, "AFCON is now behind us." He highlights the team's renewed commitment to trusting the process under Coach Otto Addo, with the collective goal of securing qualification for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"We have a new plan, we are trusting the manager, we have a good team," Semenyo asserts, exuding optimism about the team's potential. He underscores the importance of faith in the process and expresses hope for successful qualification campaigns, affirming, "We are just trusting the process and hopefully, we can qualify for the AFCON and the World Cup and we can show what we can do."
Ghana is poised to face Mali and the Central African Republic on June 6 and June 10, respectively, as they embark on their journey towards redemption and glory in upcoming tournaments.
Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu has urged his fellow countrymen to place their trust in the emerging talents within the Black Stars squad.
Despite the presence of a few seasoned players in the lineup for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the team predominantly comprises youthful individuals with limited exposure on the international stage.
Addressing the press following the Black Stars' inaugural training session on Friday, Salisu emphasized the importance of confidence in the team's young contingent. "This match holds significant weight for every Ghanaian. As World Cup qualifiers, it carries immense importance for our nation, and we possess a crop of talented young players," he remarked, rallying support for the emerging talents.
Expressing optimism for the forthcoming encounters against Mali, Salisu asserted the team's unwavering commitment to securing favorable results. "It won't be an easy feat. Mali boasts a formidable lineup, but with diligent preparation and collective effort, we are poised to emerge victorious," he declared.
Ghana is scheduled to face Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a home fixture against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.
Ghana defender Alexander Djiku may join the Black Stars camp later than expected ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) due to an injury.
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan acknowledges Andre Ayew’s contributions but supports Black Stars squad evolution.
