Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has urged the Black Stars to approach their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with full seriousness, warning against underestimating any opponent.
Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium on Monday, March 24.
Following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign—where the Black Stars failed to win a single match—Essien has advised the team to respect every opponent and prepare thoroughly.
> “Yes, we can [qualify], but we have to prepare ourselves because I sometimes hate to hear that the Black Stars couldn’t beat a certain team,” he told *Sporty FM*.
> “If you’re playing against an underdog, you have to prepare well because they have nothing to lose, but for you, if you lose, it’s big news. So, we just need to respect our opponents and get ready for the games.”
Ghana, seeking their fifth World Cup appearance, must secure maximum points in both fixtures to strengthen their position in Group I. The Black Stars currently sit third, level on points with Comoros, and a strong performance could propel them to the top of the group.
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has urged the Black Stars to approach their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with full seriousness, warning against underestimating any opponent.
Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium on Monday, March 24.
Following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign—where the Black Stars failed to win a single match—Essien has advised the team to respect every opponent and prepare thoroughly.
“Yes, we can [qualify], but we have to prepare ourselves because I sometimes hate to hear that the Black Stars couldn’t beat a certain team,” he told Sporty FM.
“If you’re playing against an underdog, you have to prepare well because they have nothing to lose, but for you, if you lose, it’s big news. So, we just need to respect our opponents and get ready for the games.”
Ghana, seeking their fifth World Cup appearance, must secure maximum points in both fixtures to strengthen their position in Group I. The Black Stars currently sit third, level on points with Comoros, and a strong performance could propel them to the top of the group.
