Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a way to restore pride after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Ghana, for the first time in over two decades, failed to land a qualification to compete in Africa’s most prestigious tournament after failing to win a game during the qualifiers.
Ghana, for the first time in over two decades, failed to land a qualification to compete in Africa’s most prestigious tournament after failing to win a game during the qualifiers.
Despite the disappointment, the senior national team is on the verge of qualifying for the Mundial, which will be co-hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Ghana strengthened its chances following a 5-0 win over the Central African Republic in the Matchday 9 games on Wednesday afternoon.
“I took this to heart because I wasn’t happy with how things went at the 2022 World Cup. Missing the AFCON was a huge disaster and disappointment for all of us.
“We knew this World Cup was our only chance to redeem ourselves, so everyone gave everything,” he told 3Sports after the game.
He added, “I’ve been with the national team for a long time, it’s a part of me, and I knew I had to step up.”
Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring in the first half before Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana all found the net.
