Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, has warned the team to brace for a tougher challenge against Madagascar compared to their recent match against Chad on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He believes Madagascar will be a more difficult opponent due to their strong performances and talented squad.

The ex-Juventus midfielder urged the players to stay mentally prepared, stay focused, and give their full concentration throughout the game.

"The game you played against Chad is going to be different from the game you are going to play against Madagascar. They have a different style of play, and they will come with a different approach. So, you should tune your minds towards the game.

We are talking about the World Cup. Most of you were in Qatar. After the World Cup, you returned to your clubs, and you were different.

‘It will be different from the Chad game’Stephen Appiah urges the Black Stars to reset their minds ahead of tonight’s game against Madagascar.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/ixjDt1Hv2L— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 24, 2025

"We all experienced this in 2006. Even those who didn't play, those who were on the bench, after the World Cup secured contracts in Europe. So, those of you playing in Europe, you are sacrificing for your colleagues playing in Ghana. We believe you can do it," Appiah said while addressing the Black Stars players ahead of the Madagascar match.

The Black Stars will take on Madagascar at the 12,000-seat Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in Al Hoceima, Morocco, on March 24, 2025. The match will be played on neutral ground.

After their dominant 5-0 victory over Chad, Ghana now tops Group I with 12 points, while Madagascar follows closely behind with 10 points.