Black Stars arrive in Kumasi ahead of World Cup qualifiers
By Daniel ODURO, Accra
The Black Stars have landed in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, gearing up for their pivotal double-header against Madagascar and Comoros in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The team, initially slated to depart from Accra later yesterday, adjusted their plans based on recommendations from the technical team.
Having conducted their first training session yesterday afternoon, the team is set for another behind closed doors session today, intensifying preparations for the crucial upcoming matches.
The stakes are high for the Black Stars, especially for head coach Chris Hughton, who faces substantial pressure due to the team’s recent underwhelming performances under his leadership.
Media speculation suggests that these two matches could be decisive for Hughton, as he aims to convince the management that he remains the right fit for the coaching role.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the government are eager for the national team to perform well, with World Cup qualification considered almost non-negotiable.
In a recent development, Medeama SC defender Nurudeen Abdulai and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku of Leicester City have been called up to replace Abdul Mumin and KamalDeen Sulemana for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros. Despite initially being part of the 25-man squad, KamalDeen Sulemana and Abdul Mumin have withdrawn. Nurudeen and Issahaku have promptly joined the squad to contribute to the preparations for the upcoming double-header.
The Black Stars commenced their camp in Accra on Monday before heading to Kumasi for further training and readiness for the first game against Madagascar, scheduled to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2023. Subsequently, Ghana will face Comoros in Moroni on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The anticipation is high as fans hope for successful outcomes in these critical World Cup qualifiers.
