Accra, Ghana – Chris Hughton, the coach of Ghana’s national football team, has shared his thoughts on the outcome of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw. This draw placed the Black Stars in Group B, alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Hughton, speaking on the official media channel of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), openly admitted his limited knowledge of Mozambique and Cape Verde. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the competition and the group allocation, highlighting both the potential advantages and disadvantages.
“While we eagerly await the competition, it’s worth noting that the group draw could have been more favorable. On the other hand, it could have been worse. It’s a challenge we’re eager to embrace,” remarked Hughton.
Ghana, a footballing powerhouse, has a history of encounters with Egypt and Cape Verde. Notably, in the 2010 AFCON Final held in Angola, the Black Stars faced Egypt, resulting in a 0-1 defeat. In 2013, Ghana celebrated a significant victory, triumphing 6-1, during their journey to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, at the 2013 AFCON quarterfinals, Ghana secured a 2-0 win against Cape Verde.
The Black Stars will commence their AFCON 2023 campaign on January 14, with a match against Cape Verde. Subsequently, they will face Egypt on January 18, culminating their group stage fixtures against Mozambique on January 22.
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time since 1984, is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
AFCON 2023 Group Allocations:
- Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau
- Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique
- Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia
- Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola
- Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia
- Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania
In conclusion, Ghana’s coach, Chris Hughton, remains optimistic about the upcoming AFCON tournament, despite the challenges posed by the group draw. The Black Stars’ rich history in African football and their familiarity with Egypt and Cape Verde position them as strong contenders in Group B. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the exciting clashes that will unfold in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
