J.E Sarpong, former head coach of Ebusua Dwarfs, is advising Ghanaians to temper their expectations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the Black Stars are not considered favorites to win the tournament.
His comments follow the team's losses in international friendly games against Mexico and the USA.
In their first friendly game against Mexico, Ghana lost 2-0, followed by a 4-0 defeat to the US Men's team.
Ghana, which last won the AFCON trophy in 1982 in Libya, is aiming to secure its fifth title.
However, with the tournament in Ivory Coast set to begin in less than a year, the experienced coach believes that the Black Stars are not currently strong enough and may require a miracle to progress to the next round of the competition.
"At the moment, it is impossible for Ghana to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is a fact. It will even take a miracle for Ghana to qualify for the next round of the tournament," he told Kumasi-based Sompa FM.
"In our group, everyone is talking about Egypt because they are the most successful team in the AFCON, but they seem to be struggling recently, and I think the focus should be on Cape Verde and Mozambique.
"In our case, we have lost to Comoros and have been struggling to win games, so it will be difficult for Ghana to win the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
"I will implore Ghanaians to lower their expectations because it will take a miracle for us to qualify for the next round of the tournament. We are not the favorite to win the tournament," he added.
The Black Stars have been drawn into Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
