Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has confidently declared that the Black Stars will secure victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, ending Ghana's 42-year trophy drought.
The four-time African champions last claimed the prestigious trophy in 1982 in Libya.
Speaking on GHOne TV, Mr. Asante Twum emphasized that national teams often pull off surprises when least expected. Despite Ghana's prolonged wait for AFCON glory, he expressed optimism in the team's potential to succeed with the available resources and the established technical team.
Citing examples of unexpected triumphs in past AFCON tournaments, he stated, "Anytime I speak to issues about our goal people say it is laughable. But in 2012 when Zambia were coming to the AFCON nobody thought they would make an impact or win the tournament. When Nigeria was going to South Africa for the AFCON nobody, 99 per cent of Nigerians had no belief or trust in the team but they won the AFCON.”
When Ivory Coast beat us in the 2015 AFCON final in Equatorial Guinea the whole nation did not believe they could do it. Because before they departed Ivory Coast to Equatorial Guinea the team had a lot of issues. There were no unity, and player issues here and there. But when they came to the tournament the players psyched themselves and the coach did a good job. They went all the way to the final and beat Ghana on penalties.“
Addressing concerns about the team's unity and the manager's experience, he highlighted, "We believe we’ve got one of the best materials on the continent. We believe we have a good manager in place even though he doesn’t have AFCON experience. With these players, we can do anything in the competition."
Expressing the team's goal, he stated, "Our goal is to go to Cote d’Ivoire and win every game to be able to lift the trophy. It will not be easy, and the African game has come of age, and a lot of teams have improved over the period. But we know it is possible."
The Black Stars, currently in Kumasi, will assess their readiness for the tournament in a friendly against Namibia on January 8 before departing for Ivory Coast two days later. Placed in Group B, Ghana will face Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in their quest for AFCON glory.
Their campaign begins against Cape Verde on January 14, 2024, followed by clashes with Egypt and Mozambique.
