Ghana Under-23 coach Desmond Ofei says he is fully confident the Black Meteors will qualify for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as they prepare for a crucial qualifying tie against Libya.
Ghana must overcome Libya in the second round of the African qualifiers to keep their hopes of returning to the Olympics alive. The Black Meteors are seeking to end a 24-year absence from the men’s football competition, having last appeared at the Games in Athens in 2004.
Ofei expressed his optimism after watching Hearts of Oak defeat Basake Holy Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, insisting that his players were motivated to secure qualification and demonstrate the quality of Ghanaian football.
“100 per cent that we will qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games,” he said.
The coach believes the timing is right for Ghana to return to the global sporting event, adding that preparations are progressing well and the players are determined to prove themselves on the international stage.
“I believe we can qualify because I feel the time is right and it has been way too long and we are preparing well and the boys are hungry to prove to the nation that there is a lot of talent in this country that Ghana is one of the best footballing nations in Africa and it is up to us to show and as I said, the boys are hungry to prove themselves.”
Ofei backs players to deliver against Libya
Ghana’s immediate challenge is a two-legged encounter against Libya, with the outcome set to determine whether the Black Meteors advance in their pursuit of an Olympic place.
The first leg is scheduled to take place in Libya during the November 9-17, 2026 international window, before the two sides meet again in Ghana for the return fixture.
Ofei has made it clear that his team will approach the contest with the determination required to progress, emphasising their intention to do everything possible to defeat their opponents.
“I believe it will be a good show and we will do everything is our power to beat Libya and in March, we will take on any opponent and we will be ready for that,” he added.
The coach’s comments underline the importance of the upcoming tie, with Ghana needing to negotiate the second round successfully to maintain their hopes of reaching the 2028 Olympics.
The Black Meteors will be aiming to use their preparations to build a team capable of handling the pressure of the qualifiers and securing the results needed over the two legs.
Ghana seek return after 24 years
Ghana’s absence from the Olympic men’s football tournament stretches back to the 2004 Games in Athens.
The country’s Under-23 side is now attempting to end that lengthy wait by securing qualification for Los Angeles 2028.
For Ofei, the opportunity represents a chance for the players to showcase the talent available in Ghana and reaffirm the country’s standing in African football.
His confidence comes at a time when the team must turn its ambitions into results, beginning with the difficult assignment against Libya.
The two-legged tie will be an important test of Ghana’s preparations and their ability to compete under pressure. Winning the contest would keep the Black Meteors on course for their long-awaited return to the Olympic stage.
Ofei’s message is clear: he believes the team has the talent, motivation and preparation needed to achieve its objective.
With the first leg scheduled for November, attention will now turn to ensuring the squad is ready for the challenge. Ghana will hope their coach’s confidence is matched by performances on the pitch as they pursue a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
