Ghana head coach Desmond Ofei believes the Black Meteors have the quality and determination to beat Libya in the second round of the 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The two teams will meet over two legs between 9 and 17 November 2026, with Ghana travelling to Libya for the opening match before hosting the return fixture.
Ofei says the tie offers Ghana an opportunity to demonstrate its strength and end the country’s long wait for a return to Olympic football.
“100%, I believe so because we feel that the time is right. It’s been way too long and we are preparing really well. The boys are very hungry to prove to the nation that there’s a lot of talent in this country,” he said.
The Black Meteors were given a bye into the second qualifying round, meaning their match against Libya will mark the start of their campaign.
Ofei also believes Ghana must show why it is regarded as one of Africa’s leading football nations, while backing his players to perform when the crucial tie begins.
“Ghana is still one of the best footballing nations in Africa. It’s up to us to show. The boys are very hungry to prove themselves and to give a good show.”
“It will be a good game and we’ll do very well. We’ll do everything in our power to beat Libya. And then in March, we’ll take on whoever comes. We’ll be ready,” he added.
Libya reached the second round after overcoming Togo 4-1 on aggregate in the preliminary stage. They drew 1-1 in Lome before completing the job with a 3-0 victory in the home leg.
Progress over two matches would take Ghana into the final qualifying round, where they would face either Equatorial Guinea or Niger. Those two nations will contest their own tie for the right to meet the winner of Ghana and Libya.
The final qualifying round is scheduled to take place from 22 to 30 March 2027. The three-round qualification process will produce the seven teams that join hosts Egypt in the eight-team tournament.
For Ghana, qualification would also represent a return to the Olympic Games after a lengthy absence. The Black Meteors have not featured at the Olympics since appearing at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
