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The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is about to begin, and Ghana has been handed a qualifying group that should immediately test the Black Stars.
Ghana will battle Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia in Group C, with the top two teams expected to advance.
But before Ghana can start thinking about qualification, there is a huge obstacle standing directly in its path.
Ivory Coast.
No easy opening for the Black Stars
The Black Stars will begin their campaign away from home against Ivory Coast in Bouaké on September 24.
It is the kind of fixture that can immediately change the mood around a qualifying campaign.
Win, and Ghana will announce itself as a serious contender.
Draw, and the Black Stars will have a valuable point from a difficult away game.
Lose, and the pressure immediately increases ahead of the home fixture against Gambia.
That is why the opening match could be one of the most important games in Ghana’s entire qualification campaign.
Then comes Gambia
Only five days later, Ghana is scheduled to face Gambia at home.
This is where the Black Stars must take advantage of home support.
If Ghana can return from Ivory Coast with a positive result and then defeat Gambia at home, the team could quickly establish itself near the top of Group C.
But football has a way of punishing complacency.
Gambia cannot be treated as an easy opponent simply because Ghana has home advantage.
The Black Stars have quality
Ghana’s squad contains a mixture of experience and emerging talent.
Players such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams bring international experience, while younger players provide energy and competition for places.
The challenge for Carlos Queiroz will be finding the right balance.
Ghana does not need big names on paper.
It needs a team that works together.
The African360 question
Can Ghana qualify for AFCON 2027?
Yes — but the Black Stars cannot afford to take anything for granted.
The group looks manageable, but Ghana’s recent football history has taught supporters an important lesson: reputation alone does not win matches.
The Black Stars need discipline, tactical organisation and clinical finishing.
Most importantly, they need consistency.
The first two matches could tell us a lot.
Ivory Coast away. Gambia at home.
Two games. Two very different challenges.
And for Ghana, the journey to AFCON 2027 starts now.
