AFCON 2023 Diaries: Black Stars looking to shine bright in Cote d’Ivoire
Boasting an array of exciting talent, coupled with the invaluable experience of its more seasoned campaigners, the Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 could possibly be the year the Black Stars shine bright on the continent.
Ghana’s matches in Group B
14 January
Ghana – Cape Verde: 8pm, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
18 January
Egypt – Ghana: 8pm, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
22 January
Mozambique – Ghana: 8pm, Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Abidjan
How Ghana qualified:
Jostled throughout the qualifiers but eventually secured their ticket to Cote d’Ivoire after overcoming the Central African Republic 2-1 on the very last day of the qualifiers to finish top of Group E.
The Black Stars are heading to their 24th Africa Cup of Nations appearance.
Squad List
Official: Ghana squad for AFCON 2023
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Richard Ofori, Jojo Wollacott
Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Dennis Odoi, Kingsley Schindler, Gideon Mensah, Hamid Abdul Fatawu, Daniel Amartey, Nich Opoku, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders: Samed Salis, Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Elisha Owusu, Richmond Lamptey, Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Ransford Konigsdorffer,
Wingers: Osman Bukari, Joseph Paintsil, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah
Strikers: Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jonathan Sowah
Player to watch: Mohammed Kudus
A product of the Right to Dream Academy, Mohammed Kudus is without a doubt one of the key players for Ghana. With 6 goals scored in 15 club matches, the Accra native is preparing to participate in his second TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Dangerous coming in from the wing but can also play as a false 9, Kudus – if not well planned for, will be a problem for defenders in Cote d’Ivoire as he has over the last few years in club football.
The coach: Chris Hughton
Of Irish origin, Chris Hughton was named Ghana coach in February 2023, a few weeks after the Black Stars were eliminated in the first round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
After having managed English teams such as Tottenham, Newcastle and Nottingham, the tactician is preparing for his first TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. With Hughton at the helm, Ghana offers a very solid game defensively. In fact, the Black Star concede very few goals. A fan of the 4-3-3, the tactician relies on fast wingers who are quick in attack.
Ghana’s Previous AFCON performances:
1963: Winner
1965: Winner
1968: Finalist
1970: Finalist
1978: Winner
1982: Winner
1992: Finalist
1994: Quarter-finalist
1996: Fourth
2000: Quarter-finalist
2002: Quarter-finalist
2008: Third
2010: Finalist
2012: Fourth
2013: Fourth
2015: Finalist
2017: Fourth
2019: Eighth finalist
2021: 1st round
