On Monday, January 8, 2024, Ghana is set to engage in a pre-AFCON friendly clash against Namibia at the renowned Baba Yara Stadium.
This strategic match serves as a crucial warm-up for Chris Hughton’s squad as they prepare for the impending continental spectacle scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast.
Originally intending to hold a training camp in Johannesburg and face Botswana in a friendly encounter, the Ghana Football Association faced public backlash leading to a change in pre-tournament plans.
Swiftly adapting, the team redirected their preparations to the city of Kumasi, demonstrating their flexibility and commitment to optimal readiness.
Namibia, currently in Ghana for their own AFCON preparations, will join forces with the Black Stars in this friendly bout. The match is poised to provide both teams with a valuable opportunity to assess and enhance their strengths before the AFCON kicks off.
In Group B of the upcoming tournament, Ghana finds itself in the company of Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. The Black Stars boast a rich history in the AFCON, clinching the prestigious title four times, with their most recent triumph dating back to 1982.
Despite this success, they have faced setbacks in three finals, succumbing to defeats against Ivory Coast in 1992 and 2015, as well as Egypt in 2010.
Chris Hughton, the seasoned Ghana coach, is gearing up for a pivotal moment as he is slated to unveil his final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on January 1, 2024. The announcement is expected to take place at the Alisa Hotel, where Hughton will present the selected 27-man squad for the continental showdown in Ivory Coast.
Commencing with a provisional 55-man squad, Hughton will meticulously prune the list to meet the necessary squad size for the prestigious tournament. The media engagement at Alisa Hotel promises insights into the strategic choices and considerations behind the final selection.
