AFCON qualifiers tougher than main tournament – Prince Tagoe on Black Stars' struggles

The Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are known for their intensity, but few may realise just how challenging they truly are.

Former Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has highlighted how these matches test players even more than the tournament itself.

Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion and regular participant, is set to miss the tournament for the first time in 20 years, leaving fans and analysts searching for answers.

According to Tagoe, the style of football played across the African terrain makes the qualifiers particularly demanding. He believes Black Stars players need to be well-oriented about the African game, as it differs significantly from their experiences in Europe.

“AFCON is just like playing a local league because the tournament is in Africa. The mentality, aggressiveness, and approach to every game differ from playing outside,” Tagoe said.

“So, if you don’t have that fighting attitude during the qualification stage, there is no way you can qualify because, in Africa, every team plays tough,” he explained.

“It’s not like Europe, where you’d have the time to play. In Africa, it’s not like that. Coaches must ensure that new players joining the team understand that the qualification stage is even more difficult than the tournament itself,” he added.

Tagoe also urged players to give their best when representing the Black Stars, suggesting that a stronger commitment could help the team overcome its current struggles.

“If they are ready to give at least 85% of what they give when playing in Europe to the national team, we wouldn’t be struggling in our group.”

The Black Stars currently sit fourth in Group F, having accumulated just two points with one game remaining.

They will face Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium later today, 18 November 2024, at 4:00 PM local time.

FKA/OGB