Black Stars players appeared lukewarm as Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association addressed them ahead of the Sudan clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Their demeanour was indifferent, as many of them could not look the president in the eyes. Others also had their heads down, and a few side-eyed him.

Okraku, in his lengthy candid message to the players, called them out for their poor performances in their last two games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Dreams FC owner told the players to acknowledge that they were in a privileged group as the Black Stars existed long before they were all born.

"When Kudus, you were not born; this team existed. When Alex Djiku, you were not born; this team called the Black Stars existed. It is important for us to remember we belong to a privileged group."

He also warned them against smiling after drawing games, underlining that it is unacceptable.

“It’s not acceptable to see players smiling when we draw games,” Kurt Okraku told the Black Stars.

Ghana lost to Angola at home in the opening game before drawing with Niger in the second game.

They will now need a win to keep their chances of qualifying for the tournament alive.

The Black Stars will face Sudan in a doubleheader, with the first leg slated for October 10 in Accra and the return leg on October 14, 2024, in Libya.

EE/EK