Players need to understand how honourable it is to play for Ghana - Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

Former Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has called for mental preparation to instill pride and commitment in Black Stars players following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

The Black Stars, finishing last in Group F with three points, missed out on the tournament for the first time in 20 years.

Ankrah emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the technical bench, to address the team’s challenges.

He urged players to view national team call-ups as an honor, advocating for selfless dedication while ensuring fair rewards. The GFA is expected to decide head coach Otto Addo's future as Ghana shifts focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.