Akonnor: I’d Be Surprised If Black Stars Fail To Qualify For AFCON 2025

Former Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite a shaky start in the qualifiers.

Ghana opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Angola at Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw against Niger, leaving them third in Group F with just one point.

"Qualifying should not be a problem. I will be surprised if they don’t qualify, but we have to do well when we play in the competition proper," Akonnor stated to Graphic Sports.

The Black Stars are set to face Sudan in a crucial doubleheader, starting with the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 10, followed by the return leg on October 14 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

After opening camp with 11 players, the team expects to have the rest of the squad join for training sessions in preparation for the upcoming matches. The 2025 AFCON will be hosted in Morocco.