The Director of Marketing at the Ghana Football Association, Jamil Maraby, has expressed strong confidence that the Ghana national football team are capable of ending their long wait for continental glory at the upcoming AFCON 2027.
Ghana, a four-time African champion, last lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 1982. Since then, the nation’s football supporters have endured over four decades of disappointment on the continental stage, despite the country’s rich football history and global reputation.
Speaking on the GFA Podcast, Maraby expressed optimism that the current squad has the right combination of experience and maturity to restore Ghana’s dominance in African football.
“I am very confident and feel Ghana will win the next AFCON,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of squad continuity, noting that a significant portion of the current team has been together for several years, gaining valuable experience at both continental and global levels.
“About 60–70 per cent of the squad remains intact. Many have played in two World Cups, and some have featured in three AFCON tournaments. By 2027, they will be at their peak – around 27 to 28 years. It’s a natural cycle,” he explained.
Maraby also placed Ghana’s prospects within the broader context of African football cycles, where dominance often shifts between nations over time. He pointed to recent success stories such as Ivory Coast national football team and the sustained competitiveness of Senegal national football team as examples of how continental power balances evolve.
“The Ivory Coast had their chance and took it. Senegal are at the top now, but cycles change – and Ghana will rise again,” he added.
Despite Maraby’s optimism, Ghana’s recent performances in the Africa Cup of Nations have been underwhelming.
Over the past five years, the Black Stars have struggled to make a strong impact, including early tournament exits, a winless campaign, and failure to qualify for the 2025 edition—an outcome widely described as a major setback for the footballing nation.
However, there are signs of gradual rebuilding. Ghana has managed to secure qualification for consecutive FIFA World Cups, marking steady progress on the global stage. According to Maraby, this demonstrates underlying stability and growth within the team structure, even if continental success has remained elusive.
With a core group of players approaching their peak years and increasing international exposure, the GFA believes the foundation is being laid for a strong resurgence.
The focus now shifts toward long-term preparation, tactical development, and squad consistency ahead of AFCON 2027.
As anticipation builds, Ghanaian fans will be hoping that this current generation can finally translate potential into silverware and bring an end to one of the longest trophy droughts in African football history.
