"We will secure our spot in the 2027 AFCON," stated Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has shown optimism that Ghana will achieve qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite the letdown of not advancing past the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana's attention will now turn to the AFCON qualifiers, set to commence in September this year, as the team aims to return to Africa's premier football tournament after missing the last edition held in Morocco.
Ati-Zigi, who competes for Swiss club St. Gallen, is confident that the talent and determination within the current Black Stars lineup will be sufficient to secure their spot in the tournament, which will take place jointly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
"When you consider the players we possess, I truly believe we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and ambitious athletes," Ati-Zigi stated in an interview with Sporty FM.
The seasoned goalkeeper also feels that Ghana can leave a significant mark at the tournament if they manage to qualify.
"I am confident we can make an impact with our collective strength in the AFCON next year," he remarked.
Ghana has been placed in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers alongside regional adversaries Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Somalia.
The Black Stars are resolute in their quest to return to the continental event after their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, which ended a lengthy streak of participation in the tournament.
Ati-Zigi's remarks come as the Ghana Football Association and the coaching staff work to restore confidence in the national team following the World Cup disappointment and prepare a competitive squad for the upcoming AFCON challenge.