By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (V/R), May 20, GNA – Some sports enthusiasts across the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have expressed varied opinions following the draw for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2027 qualifiers, which placed the Black Stars in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia.
While some fans see the group as favourable for qualification, others caution underestimating any opponent in what promised to be a competitive campaign.
Mr Abila Isaac, sports analyst, told the Ghana News Agency, that the qualifying campaign were scheduled to run from September 2026 to March 2027, with the top two teams from each group expected to advance to the main African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
“I know many supporters in Keta and other parts of the country have welcomed the draws. Some have even described it as relatively balanced for the Black Stars. This is not the toughest group we could have gotten,” he said.
Mr Abila noted that with proper preparation, the Black Stars should top the group and believed the team’s pedigree provided them a clear edge over The Gambia and Somalia, when the qualifiers commenced.
He voiced concern about facing Côte d’Ivoire, the defending champions and the host of the 2023 AFCON tournament and argued that the Ivorians would pose a significant challenge, especially given their home advantage and recent performances on the continental stages.
“We cannot take Ivory Coast lightly. They are a strong side and will fight hard for maximum points; we must be well prepared for them. I know after the World Cup, we will meet them squarely. I believed coach Carlos Queiroz for the task.”
Mr Matthew Gabla, a sports Commentator, said that reactions have been mixed, with some fans expressing confidence in the team’s ability to qualify comfortably while others called for serious investment in the squad.
He said that a section of enthusiasts believed the presence of lower-ranked teams like Somalia and The Gambia would offer Ghana an opportunity to accumulate vital points early in the campaign but should not be taken for granted.
Other fans, the Ghana News Agency spoke with expressed satisfaction and hoped that the Black Stars who missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, would be able to accumulate clear maximum points in the qualifying group matches and make it to 2027 AFCON.
The full draw, which has been widely circulated, shows Ghana sharing Group C with three other nations in a 12-group format with enthusiasts have also taken time to analyse other groups, noting that powerhouses such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, and Algeria face their own sets of challenges as they prepare for the 2027 edition.
Ghana last hosted the AFCON in 2008 and has a rich history on the continent, and have won the trophy four times with the last trophy won over 4 decades ago.
Many believed that the current crop of players, combined with the right coaching staff, could restore the Black Stars to their glory days and win the 2027 AFCON for Ghana to end a 40-year old trophy drought.
Football administrators and former players have also joined the conversation, and urged unity and support for the national team, while others stated that qualifiers were always tricky, and the team must focus on their game and avoid complacency against any opponent.
As anticipation builds towards the September 2026 kick-off, sports fans said that they would be closely monitoring the Black Stars’ friendlies and domestic league performances with the mixed opinions reflected both hope and cautious optimism across the football fraternity in the area.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also assured stakeholders of its commitment to ensure that the Black Stars prepare adequately for the qualifiers.
The fans were hopeful that the team would navigate Group C successfully and secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON, which promises to be a spectacular celebration of African football.
The 2027 AFCON would be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda would kick start from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade