2027 AFCONQ: Sports Minister makes bold prediction ahead of Ghana’s opening games

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says he is confident the Black Stars can make a positive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign despite being without several key players.

Ghana open their Group C campaign against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday (19:00 GMT), before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has been forced to reshape his squad after a number of senior players withdrew through injury, prompting late additions ahead of the two qualifiers.

Despite the setbacks, Adams believes the players available have the quality and determination to secure valuable results.

“We are hoping that on the 24th of this month, when we go to Bouaké, we are either drawing or getting all three points, against The Gambia on the 29th to get all three points,” he told Accra-based Max TV.

The four-time African champions are looking to bounce back after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where they finished bottom of their qualifying group.

Ghana will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.