Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has cautioned the Black Stars against complacency ahead of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Côte d’Ivoire, invoking a painful chapter from the two countrys’ recent history as a warning of how quickly fortunes can turn on the African continent.
Speaking on Ghana’s preparations for the qualifier, Okraku recalled the dramatic collapse that saw the Ivorians progress from a tournament they had appeared destined to exit, eventually going on to lift the trophy as African champions.
“Ghana was on our way out of the group to make it to the knockout stage. Then after four minutes, the score was 2-2 and Côte d’Ivoire, who were on their way home, found themselves back in the competition and they went all the way to become African champions.” Kurt Okraku, GFA President
The GFA boss pointed to matchday three of the 2023 AFCON, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, when Ghana appeared firmly in control of a crucial group-stage encounter against Mozambique before the match slipped away in agonising fashion.
“When they hosted the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, I remember on matchday three, Ghana was playing Mozambique. Eighty-nine minutes, Ghana was leading 2-0.” Kurt Okraku, GFA President
That result proved decisive, eliminating Ghana from the tournament they were hosting on West African soil while inadvertently reopening the door for the Ivorians, who capitalised fully on the twist of fate.
“Côte d’Ivoire have done well in the last few years. They were one of those few countries that benefitted from some of the mistakes we made to become African champions.” Kurt Okraku, GFA President
Okraku’s remarks underline the GFA’s determination to ensure history does not repeat itself as Ghana prepares to face a Côte d’Ivoire side that has established itself among Africans elite since their 2023 triumph.