Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo has admitted that Ghana’s failure to qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations remains a major disappointment, insisting the team is determined to secure a place at the next tournament.
Sibo is part of Carlos Queiroz’s squad preparing for Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign and says returning to Africa’s biggest football competition is a personal priority.
Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco after a disappointing qualifying campaign, ending a long run of consecutive appearances at the competition.
The Real Oviedo midfielder says the setback affected him deeply and has increased his motivation to help the Black Stars avoid another absence.
“This AFCON is something that really matters to me because the last AFCON that we didn’t qualify, I was really disappointed,” Sibo said.
Ghana’s qualification journey begins with a challenging away fixture against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, but Sibo insists the Black Stars are not intimidated by the strength of their West African rivals.
The midfielder acknowledged the quality within the Ivorian squad but believes Ghana also possess enough talent to compete at the highest level.
“Playing against Côte d’Ivoire doesn’t scare me as a player. They are a very good nation with very good individual quality players,” he said.
“We know them, but I feel like we also have quality players that can match them, and we are ready for that match.”
The Black Stars will face the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before returning home to host The Gambia on September 29 in their second Group C fixture.
Sibo and his teammates will hope to make a strong start as Ghana begins the process of returning to the AFCON stage and rebuilding confidence under coach Carlos Queiroz.
