Ghana FA boss Kurt Okraku has called for increased aggression and desire from the Black Stars, declaring that the honeymoon period for the team is over.
Okraku urged the players to secure victories this month against Sudan to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a disappointing start to the qualifiers.
Ghana suffered a 1-0 loss to Angola, ending their 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and then followed it up with a draw against Niger in Morocco in the opening games of the qualifiers.
Okraku expressed his frustration during a meeting with the squad on Tuesday, describing the two performances as unsatisfactory.
“The honeymoon period is gone. It’s time to show aggression, it’s time to show desire, it’s time to show the willingness to go the extra mile for Ghana,” he stated.
Currently sitting third in their group after two matches, the Black Stars are in desperate need of wins against Sudan to improve their qualifying chances.
Angola (6 points) and Sudan (3 points) are currently qualifying spots in the group, making these upcoming fixtures crucial.
“Why must it get to this situation that we need these two games more than ever before? Why? In this group? Ghana? No chance. Don’t forget somebody played before you; it is time for you to play, and somebody will play after you. If you don’t grab the opportunity, somebody is prepared to play. I hope this will be the last day I appear before all of you not only to appeal to your hearts but your conscience. The indomitable fighting spirit of the Black Stars has to be resurrected,” Okraku emphasised.
The first match against Sudan is set for Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium, which has received late approval from CAF, followed by the return leg in Libya on Monday.