AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Kurt Okraku criticises Black Stars’ poor performance
The Black Stars began their campaign with a defeat in Kumasi against Angola, a loss which some players attributed to poor pitch conditions.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed frustration with the Black Stars following their disappointing start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Speaking to the team on Tuesday ahead of their crucial games against Sudan, Okraku openly criticised the players for their lacklustre performances in the opening matches.
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The Black Stars began their campaign with a defeat in Kumasi against Angola, a loss which some players attributed to poor pitch conditions.
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However, even on a better pitch in Morocco, the team struggled to impress, managing only a draw with Niger in a match marked by a lack of passion and urgency.
With just one point from two games, Ghana faces a difficult path to qualification.
Mr Okraku’s remarks reflected the seriousness of the situation and the high expectations of the nation.
“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.
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Not when you are dribbled, and you are seen walking on the pitch while the ball is heading towards your net. That is impossible,” Mr Okraku told the players.
“I told the coach, it’s either you guys decide to die for Ghana or decide you will not—and then you’ll never be selected.”
Mr Okraku reminded the players of the honour and responsibility that comes with wearing the national jersey, emphasising the need for pride, aggression, and determination to win.
“Once you depart your various places and come here to put on the shirt, that should naturally give you the pride to fight, to show passion, to show aggression, and the desire to win,” he added.
Ghana’s doubleheader against Sudan, with matches on October 10 and a return fixture in Libya on October 14, presents a critical opportunity for the team to turn their fortunes around.
Trailing group leaders Angola (6 points) and second-placed Sudan (3 points), Ghana risks missing out on the AFCON for the first time since 2004 if they do not secure victories in the upcoming fixtures.
Source:classfmonline.com
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