Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams confident in Black Stars ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced strong confidence in the Black Stars’ preparation for their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

After the team failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Black Stars are keen to avoid further setbacks and secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Kofi Adams stressed the team’s readiness and called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars in their quest for World Cup qualification.

“I want to call on Ghanaians to support the team. I know we’re going to win both games,” Adam told 3sports.

“The players are well energized, well prepared and psychologically I believe they are ready for both games we’re ready for the two matches and we will win.”

Ghana are currently level on nine points with Comoros in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, but Comoros lead the group due to a superior goal difference.

The other teams in the group include Chad, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, and Mali.

The Black Stars will commence their training camp in Accra on Monday as they prepare for their crucial clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21.

Following that, they will travel to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The Black Stars have, meanwhile, been hit with a major injury crisis, with 12 players currently sidelined.

The injured players include Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Iddrisu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Paintsil.

Injury Breakdown:

• Alidu Seidu – Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Rehabilitation)
• Tariq Lamptey – Ankle Ligament Injury
• Brandon Thomas-Asante – Muscle Tear
• Abdul Mumin – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
• Joseph Aidoo – Muscle Injury
• Abdul Manaf Nurudeen – Ankle Injury
• Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Recovering)
• Baba Iddrisu – Recovering from Injury
• Ibrahim Sulemana – Adductor Tendonitis
• Daniel Kofi Kyereh – Knee Injury
• Majeed Ashimeru – Still recovering, requires more time for full fitness
• Joseph Paintsil – Quadriceps Injury

The absence of these players presents a challenge for Ghana’s squad depth as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.