Luckassen: Black Stars Must Go Beyond Just Qualifying — A Deep Run Is the Real Target

Black Stars centre-back Derrick Luckassen has made clear that simply advancing to the knockout rounds of the World Cup is not enough for Ghana, insisting the team must now raise its ambitions significantly as the tournament progresses.

Speaking after the Black Stars secured their passage to the next stage, Luckassen acknowledged the importance of the result but was quick to stress that the squad cannot afford to be satisfied with mere qualification.

"We are through to the next round and that is the most important thing," the defender said, before adding that the group's collective mentality must now shift towards going as far as possible in the competition.

Luckassen, who brings considerable experience from his career in European club football, urged his teammates to build on the momentum and approach each remaining fixture with greater intensity and belief.

Ghana supporters will be hoping the squad can translate those words into performances on the pitch, with the nation eager to see the Black Stars make a lasting impression on the global stage and recapture the spirit of the country's memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.