Black Stars can compete with best if properly motivated â?? Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed strong belief in the potential of the Ghana national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the Black Stars can compete with the very best teams in the world if they are properly motivated and supported.

Speaking on TV3's New Day programme, the Effutu Member of Parliament said Ghana possesses the quality and talent needed to make a significant impact at the tournament in North America. However, he stressed that success will largely depend on the level of preparation, motivation, and incentives provided to the players and technical team.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Ghanaian teams have historically exceeded expectations whenever the right structures and motivation have been put in place.

"They need to be properly motivated. The incentives that are supposed to be in place must be in place. When a Ghanaian team is properly composed and well motivated, they go beyond expectation," he said.

The Minority Leader also revealed that he is eager to hear from Sports Minister Kofi Adams when Parliament resumes on May 19. He expects the minister to brief lawmakers on the measures being implemented to ensure the Black Stars are adequately prepared for the global tournament.

Reflecting on Ghana's memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Afenyo-Markin recalled how close the Black Stars came to reaching the semi-finals for the first time in African football history. Ghana reached the quarter-finals before suffering a heartbreaking elimination against Uruguay following Asamoah Gyan's dramatic penalty miss.

"Ghana has great potential when it comes to football. We know what we did in South Africa where we crossed the round of 16 stage and were almost there. But for the penalty miss by Asamoah Gyan, we would have reached the semi-finals," he added.

The Black Stars will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in Toronto on June 17 against Panama before facing England and Croatia in Group L. Despite the difficult group, many Ghanaian supporters remain hopeful that the team can rediscover the fighting spirit and unity that once made them one of Africa's most feared sides on the world stage.

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