The Ghana Black Stars are set to kickstart their preparations for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 with a gathering in Johannesburg next week.
The four-time champions will convene on December 31st for a 10-day training camp in South Africa, as announced by the Ghana Football Association.
Ahead of the finals in Cote d’Ivoire, the squad, led by Coach Chris Hughton, will engage in a closed-door training regimen, with sessions not accessible to the media and the public.
In Group B, Ghana faces formidable opponents in Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Their journey commences with a clash against Cape Verde on January 14th, followed by a titanic encounter with seven-time Afcon winners Egypt on January 18th.
The group stage concludes for the Black Stars on January 22nd against Mozambique.
Coach Hughton is anticipated to field a robust squad featuring key players such as Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham standout Mohammed Kudus.
Captain Andre Ayew will lead the charge, aiming to inspire Ghana to their first Afcon triumph since 1982. With four titles to their name, Ghana aspires to close in on the record tally of five AFCON wins held by Egypt and Cameroon.
Following the disappointment of their early exit in the 2022 World Cup group stage, Ghana is determined to make amends on the international stage in Cote d’Ivoire.
Despite the challenging group opponents, Hughton acknowledges the stern test his squad faces in advancing deep into the tournament.
The manager places hope in a focused training camp in Johannesburg to help Ghana rediscover their best form before the commencement of the Afcon. With Ayew, Partey, and other key players in the lineup, Ghana remains equipped with undeniable quality, seeking to reclaim continental glory 40 years after their last success.
