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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.
Anticipation rises as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, with standout players gearing up for the football spectacle.
Among them, Sadio Mané, the Lions of Teranga star player, aims to lead Senegal in their title defense. Here are ten players to keep an eye on:
1. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 31) - The Indomitable Lions' captain and reliable goalscorer, poised to guide Cameroon to a 6th star.
2. Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea, 27) - The revitalized centre-forward, excelling in Germany, seeks to boost Syli de Guinée's chances in the TotalEnergies AFCON finals.
3. Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast, 30) - The Elephants' striker, playing on home soil, aims to make a significant impact at Africa’s premier football event.
4. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23) - A rising star for the Fennecs, the midfielder looks to lead Algeria into a major competition.
5. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25) - The recently crowned Best African Player of the Year, leading Nigeria's potent attacking frontline.
6. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 24) - A key player for the star-studded Atlas Lions, seeking to confirm his high regard on the grand stage.
7. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23) - A dynamic force for West Ham United, the Ghanaian sensation aims to shine for the Black Stars in their pursuit of a fifth AFCON title.
8. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31) - A Liverpool star and leader of Egypt's national team, Salah remains a key attraction with his prolific goal-scoring record.
9. Peter Shalulile (Namibia, 30) - At the peak of his career, the Mamelodi Sundowns player is crucial for Namibia's Brave Warriors in their AFCON campaign.
Former Ghana coach Otto Addo believes that Egypt is the most manageable opponent in the Black Stars' group at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In Group B alongside Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, the record seven-time AFCON winners will face the Black Stars in their second group game on Thursday, January 18.
Assessing Ghana's chances in Group B, Otto Addo stated that playing against Egypt might be the easiest in the group due to the Pharaohs' well-balanced team.
“I think the easiest game may be against Egypt because their team is very well-balanced. They are the favorites in this game, so it is easier to stand behind when people don’t expect too much from you,” he shared with GTV Sports Plus.
“It’s easier than to play the so-called small countries which are football educated, know how to defend, and it will be very, very tough to break them down.”
Ghana is scheduled to kick off their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Following this, the Black Stars will face Egypt before concluding the group stage against Mozambique on January 22.
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