A section of soccer fans have expressed mixed reactions about the chances of the Black Stars to qualifyfor the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United State of America (USA), Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars have been paired with Mali, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, Comoros and Chad following the official qualification draw held in Abidjan last three months.
The fans views appear to have been influenced by the recent poor outings of the Black Stars that saw them fall to 2-0 and 4-0 defeats to Mexico and the USA in international friendly matches.
In sampled interviews by the Times Sports yesterday, the fans were of the view that although recent results had not gone in favour of the Black Stars, they were optimistic of the team’s qualification to the football Mundial.
Mr Ernest Boakye, a Businessman at the Central business district noted that although the team’s recent performances have not been exceptional, it would help the coach and the technical team know its weaknesses before the qualification matches begin next month.
An Electrician, Mr Clement Otto who spoke with confidence said “people may have their opinions about the performances of the Black Stars post 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but I know the team will turn on the style to secure qualification.”
Moreover, Mr George Afful identified the goalkeeping department and the defence as the weakest parts of the team, and therefore urged the technical team to address it before the qualification matches begin.
“When you analyse the team critically, you can tell that the goalkeeping department and the defence are the major weak pointsin spite of the team’spotential, especially, in attack. What the technical team needs to do is to work on those two areas and the team will be fine”, Mr Afful opined.
On the contrary, Mr Philip Okoe, a civil servant said he did not expect the Black Stars to secure qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup based on recent results of friendly matches played.
Mr Stanley Oduro, a Pharmacist said the Black Stars would struggle against their opponents during the qualification stage based on recent performances as there were no longer minnows in the game.
The Black Stars would begin their qualification from November this year when they host Madagascar at home and travel away to Comoros respectively, through to October, 2025.
The team has come under all form of criticisms from football pundits following their recent defeats to the USA and Mexico in international friendlymatches.
However, the team, having made four appearances at the football showpiece in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, would look to bounce back from the recent defeat and put up a strong performance when the qualification round for the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
