2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Black Stars are determined to make Ghanaians proud against Chad and Madagascar – Stephen Appiah

Vice Chairman of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah has assured that the playing body are determined to make Ghanaians proud ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The senior national team has been subjected to criticism and backlash after failing to record during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament and finished at the bottom of its group.

Having recorded just two wins in 2024, the Black Stars for the first time in 2025 will take on Chad and Madagascar in the qualifiers.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the games, Appiah, who played a key role in Ghana’s qualification to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups in Germany and South Africa beleives the players are well-prepared and determined to make Ghanaians proud.

“I was proud to see our president [John Mahama] come visit the players yesterday and he gave some words of encouragement to the players and told them it is not about NDC or NPP but the players should play their heart out,” he told Asempa FM.

“From everything that President Mahama told the players, I believe they are determined and ready to make Ghanaians proud against Chad and Madagascar.”

Appiah also called on the fans to show up in their numbers to rally behind the team ahead of Friday’s game against the Chadians.

“We need the fans to show up in their numbers to support the team. We should come together and support the team and I believe that the team will surely win.”

The Black Stars will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT before travelling to play Madagascar on Monday at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will wrap up their training sessions today at the Accra Sports Stadium.