Black Stars showed promise and resilience at 2026 World Cup – GFA boss Kurt Okraku

Ghana’s fifth World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the knockout stage after the Black Stars progressed from the group phase for the first time since 2010.

The Black Stars began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before holding England to a goalless draw. A 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match saw Ghana finish third in Group L on four points, but they still advanced to the Round of 32.

Speaking at the GFA’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Okraku said the tournament had provided encouraging signs for the future of the national team.

“The Black Stars demonstrated resilience and promise at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico,” he said.

“Advancing to the second round after a commendable performance against some of the world’s strongest teams before going out against Colombia.”

Okraku acknowledged that Ghana had hoped to progress further but argued that the team’s performances pointed to steady improvement.

“Although we had hopes of progressing further, the tournament provided encouraging signs that the team is moving in the right direction,” he said.

“From being the least-ranked team before the start of the tournament to the 24th-ranked team at the end speaks volumes of the promise in this team.”

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the team set to regroup during the September international window.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet