Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is the only way to redeem ourselves after AFCON failure – Jordan Ayew
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the team’s only chance to restore pride after the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana took a giant step toward qualification with a commanding 5-0 win over the Central African Republic in their penultimate qualifier, and Ayew believes this campaign represents redemption for both the team and the nation.
“I took this to heart because I wasn’t happy with how things went at the 2022 World Cup. Missing the AFCON was a huge disaster and disappointment for all of us. We knew this World Cup was our only chance to redeem ourselves, so everyone gave everything,” Ayew told 3Sports. “I’ve been with the national team for a long time, it’s a part of me and I knew I had to step up.”
At the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco, the Black Stars delivered a ruthless performance. Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring in the first half before Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana all found the net in a second-half blitz.
With 22 points atop Group I, Ghana now turns its focus to Sunday’s decisive encounter against Comoros at 7 p.m. local time — a fixture that could officially seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.
