Two defeats, zero points and a restless fanbase: Ghana's FA says it feels the hurt as the Black Stars sink to the bottom of Group C.
Ghana's Black Stars are in unfamiliar territory. The four-time African champions have opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with two straight defeats, and the Ghana Football Association says it feels the hurt as deeply as the fans do.
The damage was done in Group C. Ivory Coast won the opener 2-0, then The Gambia stunned the Black Stars 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana now sit bottom of the group with no points, and the pressure on the team's leadership and technical staff is growing.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum tried to calm the storm, saying the association understands the frustration of supporters. He said the leadership and head coach Carlos Queiroz have taken responsibility for the results, and that the FA needs to stay level-headed and listen to the public.
"We understand the pain of the fans and everyone," Asante Twum said, admitting the performance was bad and that the FA is not happy with what happened. He added that fixing it will demand serious effort and commitment.
Words will only go so far for a football-mad nation that expects its Black Stars to contend. Ghana need a quick response on the pitch to restore belief and keep their qualification hopes alive.