Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, currently second in Group I with nine points, is set to host Chad on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar next Monday in Matchday five and six fixtures.
Ahead of these crucial games, Akonnor—who previously coached Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko—believes the national team has learned from the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is determined to make amends.
“The players are mature and professional enough to understand the dynamics, so they will do everything to win the matches,” he told Graphic Sports.
Akonnor is optimistic about Ghana’s chances, asserting that the Black Stars are more likely to win both matches than to drop points, given the current state of the team.
The 51-year-old also noted a strong sense of determination among the squad selected by head coach Otto Addo, emphasizing that failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is not an option after their AFCON setback.
“I’m sure they are aware that after failing to qualify for AFCON, the only option left now is the World Cup, and if you look at the opponents, it’s not something we should say we can’t beat,” he stated.
Despite past unexpected defeats, Akonnor remains confident that Chad and Madagascar should not pose a significant challenge if Ghana stays focused.
He also highlighted how playing Madagascar in Morocco rather than in their home country could work in Ghana’s favor, as Madagascar will miss the advantage of home support.
“Under normal circumstances, these teams shouldn’t worry us, but football has changed, so we have to take it very seriously,” Akonnor cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars kicked off their training on Monday, with nine players reporting for the first session at the Accra Sports Stadium. The team is expected to have a full house ahead of their second training session today.
Ghana’s match against Chad is set for Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium. The team will then face Madagascar on Monday, March 24, at Stade Mimoun Al Arsi in Morocco.