Ghana's head coach, Chris Hughton, expressed confidence in the Black Stars' potential to clinch victory in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite Ghana's recent challenges in the competition and a 41-year wait for the trophy, Hughton believes his team is among the strong contenders vying for success.
In a recent statement, Hughton acknowledged the competitive landscape, mentioning formidable teams like Cameroon and Morocco due to their past achievements, as well as Senegal for their consistent performance.
However, he emphasized Ghana's readiness and aspirations for the tournament, stating, “I would like to think Ghana because we are next door. We will bring good support. It's a long time since we won.”
Ghana's recent AFCON performances, particularly in the 2021 edition in Cameroon, have been deemed subpar, prompting a collective effort to reclaim their status as a football powerhouse on the continent.
Hughton, who led Ghana to qualification for the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, expressed optimism about the team's capabilities.
The Black Stars, drawn in Group C, are set to face Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024. Subsequent group stage matches include Egypt four days later and Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22.
As Ghana prepares for the AFCON campaign, Hughton's positive outlook and belief in the team's potential add to the anticipation surrounding the nation's quest to secure the prestigious title after four decades.
The tournament promises to be a challenging yet exciting opportunity for the Black Stars to make a statement on the continental stage.