With the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) still fresh, the Black Stars are turning their attention to a new challenge: securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Assistant Coach Desmond Offei has emphasized that the team is fully focused on its strengths as it prepares to face Chad and Madagascar in crucial qualifier matches.
### **Learning from AFCON Failure**
Speaking to *ghanafa.org*, Offei acknowledged the pain of failing to qualify for AFCON but insisted that the setback has served as a learning opportunity for the team.
“It was a very painful moment for us not to qualify for AFCON this year in Morocco, but we’ve learned a lot,” he admitted. “We’ve reflected on our mistakes, both on and off the pitch, and we are very hungry to put things right. Through hard work and unity, we will correct our errors and come back stronger.”
### **Upcoming Matches: Chad and Madagascar**
The road to redemption begins on Friday, March 21, when Ghana hosts Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium. Three days later, the team will take on Madagascar in Morocco.
Offei believes the squad possesses enough talent to secure positive results. “We have enough quality in the squad to make sure that we perform on the day,” he said. “Of course, we want to make Ghanaians proud, so it’s very important to deliver a strong performance against Chad. They will fight, and it will feel like a final, but we must ensure this international window ends on a positive note.”
With Chad and Madagascar both under new management, Offei admitted that their tactical approaches remain uncertain. However, he stressed that Ghana’s focus should remain on preparation and execution. “We may not know exactly how they will set up, but we know their players. It’s about making sure our team is fully ready to compete and give everything on the pitch,” he explained.
### **Call for Fan Support**
Offei also issued a rallying cry to Ghanaian fans, urging them to show up in large numbers for the Chad game.
“They should come in abundance,” he encouraged. “We’re playing in Accra again, and from our Technical side, I can promise that we will give 100 percent commitment on the day. With the support of the fans, we can create a magical evening and take a strong step toward World Cup qualification.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, the Black Stars are determined to move past recent disappointments and reignite their campaign for a place on football’s biggest stage.
