As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers heat up, Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for two pivotal encounters that could shape their journey to the tournament. Former head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has urged the team to approach their upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar with unwavering focus and determination.

With nine points in Group I, Ghana sits in second place, but Akonnor warns that modern football has evolved, and no opponent should be underestimated. “Under normal circumstances, these teams shouldn’t worry us, but football has changed, so we have to take it very seriously,” he cautioned.

The Black Stars have already completed two intensive training sessions, with another scheduled today and final preparations set for Thursday. Their clash against Chad will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before they travel to Morocco to battle Madagascar at Stade Mimoun Al Arsi on Monday, March 24.

With qualification on the line, Ghana’s players must rise to the occasion and prove their mettle on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.