President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has issued a strong warning to the Black Stars players, stressing that their lack of commitment in recent matches will not be tolerated.
Mr Okraku expressed his frustration following the team’s underwhelming performance in their opening games of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which included a defeat to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger during the September international break.
With just one point from two games, Ghana currently sits third in Group F, prompting widespread criticism from fans and stakeholders alike. The team has since regrouped for a crucial doubleheader against Sudan, as they aim to get their AFCON campaign back on track.
During a visit to the Black Stars camp on Tuesday, October 8, Okraku delivered a passionate address, urging the players to show more commitment and avoid repeating the mistakes of their earlier games.
“The minimum I expect, the minimum Ghana expects, is a team of men who will show passion and desire to play for our country. Not when you are dribbled, and you’re seen walking on the pitch while the ball heads toward your net. That is impossible. I told the coach this,” Okraku stated.
He further warned the players, saying, “It’s either you guys decide to die for Ghana or decide you will not. If you don’t, you’ll never be selected.”
Okraku emphasized that wearing the national team jersey should instill pride and a determination to fight for victory, adding, “Once you depart your various places and come here and put on the shirt, naturally, that should give you the pride to fight, to show passion, to show aggression, and to show desire to win.”
The Black Stars will face Sudan on matchday three of the AFCON qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, before traveling to Libya for the return fixture on October 15.