The stadium lights flickered as Mohammed Kudus led the Black Stars onto the pitch, the captain’s armband tightly wrapped around his left arm. It was an unexpected honor, bestowed upon him in October 2024 after Thomas Partey’s injury forced him out of Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers. At just 24, Kudus found himself at the heart of a nation’s hopes, a leader in the making.

Among those watching closely was Sulley Muntari, a Ghanaian football legend who had once worn the national colors with pride. He admired Kudus’ raw talent, his commanding presence on the field, and the way he carried the team forward. But Muntari, a veteran of many battles, believed leadership needed time to grow.

“Kudus is destined to wear the armband permanently one day,” Muntari said, his voice steady with conviction. “But let the process be natural. He doesn’t need the title to lead—he already does it with his play.”

Despite Kudus’ best efforts, Ghana’s AFCON dreams ended in disappointment, leaving fans heartbroken. Yet, the young midfielder’s journey was far from over. As the Black Stars set their sights on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2024, Kudus stood poised—not just as a star but as a future captain, ready to lead when the time was right.