Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing the team to bounce back from their recent AFCON disappointment.

With Ghana sitting second in Group I with nine points, the Black Stars will host Chad on Friday, March 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium before heading to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24. Akonnor believes these matches present the perfect opportunity for redemption.

“The players are mature and professional enough to understand the dynamics, so they will do everything to win the matches,” he told Sportsblog247.com, emphasizing that the squad has the right mentality to secure victories.

He pointed out that after failing to qualify for AFCON 2025, the team has no choice but to qualify for the World Cup. “The motivation is much higher now. Looking at our opponents, these are games we should be winning,” he added.

While acknowledging that football has evolved and no team should be underestimated, Akonnor stressed that Chad and Madagascar should not pose major threats if the Black Stars remain focused. He also noted that playing Madagascar in Morocco, rather than their home country, is an advantage for Ghana.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s training camp kicked off on Monday with nine players, and the rest of the squad is expected to join today as preparations ramp up for the crucial qualifiers.