Former Black Stars defender Sam Johnson has suggested that the national team’s coaching staff prioritize preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers over aiming for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After a shaky beginning in World Cup qualifiers, coach Otto Addo has revived hope with back-to-back wins over Mali and the Central African Republic. However, the AFCON qualifiers have proven more difficult.
The Black Stars’ AFCON journey began with a narrow 1-0 loss to Angola, followed by a 1-1 draw against Niger. Their challenges continued as they played to a goalless draw against Sudan in Accra and later suffered a 2-0 defeat in Libya. These setbacks have made the path to AFCON qualification uncertain for Ghana.
With Angola already qualified for the tournament and Sudan needing only a point to advance, Johnson believes it may be time for Ghana to shift focus. “If we qualify for AFCON, it will be a miracle that has never happened before,” Johnson told Graphic Sports. He encouraged the team to redirect its energy toward the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“Let’s focus on the World Cup and organize ourselves better. If we make it to AFCON, I’ll be surprised but happy,” Johnson added, emphasizing that while AFCON qualification would be welcome, the World Cup should now take priority.
Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers conclude next month, with a match in Luanda against Angola followed by a home game against bottom-placed Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. To secure an AFCON spot, Ghana would need Sudan to lose their remaining games and would have to win both of their final matches against Angola and Niger.
