Former Beach Soccer Association president Yaw Ampofo Ankrah believes Ghana’s Black Sharks can qualify for the World Cup after beating Nigeria to secure a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

The victory has taken Ghana through to the continental tournament and given Ankrah reason to believe the team can go further.

His confidence shifts attention from the achievement of reaching AFCON to what the Black Sharks could accomplish when they arrive in Senegal. For the former association president, a place on the world stage is within the team’s reach.

Beating Nigeria was the immediate task, and the Black Sharks delivered. Their reward is an opportunity to compete at the African tournament, where their World Cup ambitions will face their next examination.

Ankrah’s assessment reflects optimism about the team following that result. Rather than viewing AFCON qualification as the end of the journey, he sees the possibility of another step forward.

There is, however, a distinction between believing Ghana can qualify and suggesting the job is already done. The Black Sharks have secured their place in Senegal; they must now turn that opportunity into performances capable of carrying them further.

The Nigeria victory provides a result to build on, but the challenge ahead will demand more than confidence alone.

Preparation now becomes the central issue for Ghana. The task is to build on what worked against Nigeria while getting the team ready for the demands of the continental competition.

For the players, Senegal offers a chance to give substance to that belief. Their qualification has kept the possibility alive, and the next stage will determine how far they can take it.

No longer focused on getting past Nigeria, the Black Sharks can now look towards the opponents and challenges awaiting them at AFCON.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem