Ghana coach Chris Hughton names Black Stars squad for AFCON

The much-anticipated moment arrived as Chris Hughton, the head coach of the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, unveiled the 55-man provisional squad for the imminent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This comprehensive list, submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), marks a significant step as the team gears up for the prestigious tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.

Within this roster, seasoned players like Bernard Tekpetey, John Antwi, and Benjamin Tetteh make noteworthy returns, infusing the squad with valuable experience and depth. Notably, the inclusion of eleven talented local players, including representatives from Medeama Sporting Club, underscores a commitment to a diverse and formidable team.

As Ghana sets its sights on ending a 41-year trophy drought, the Black Stars find themselves placed in the challenging Group B. Alongside them are formidable opponents, including Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. The journey towards AFCON glory commences with a crucial clash against Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024. The subsequent challenges include facing Egypt at the same venue four days later and engaging Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.

The strategic selection of the provisional squad offers a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excellence. The coaching staff, led by Hughton, faces the task of fine-tuning this extensive roster, with the final squad of 27 players set to be determined by January 3, 2024.

Bernard Tekpetey, who has exhibited stellar form with Bulgarian giants Ludogorets, stands out as a key player in the squad. His remarkable record of 11 goals and 7 assists in 32 games across various competitions has undoubtedly earned him a coveted spot in the provisional lineup. The former Schalke 04 striker, with two caps for the Black Stars since his debut in 2017, brings a potent mix of skill and experience to the table.

In addition to Tekpetey’s prowess, the inclusion of John Antwi and Benjamin Tetteh adds further dynamism to the squad. The collective goal is clear: to navigate the challenging group stage and progress deep into the knockout rounds, ultimately contending for the AFCON title.

As Ghana prepares to embark on this footballing odyssey, the entire nation eagerly anticipates the prospect of witnessing their beloved Black Stars compete on the continental stage. The AFCON, scheduled to commence on January 13, 2024, promises a month-long extravaganza of footballing brilliance, with the final showdown set to unfold on February 11, 2024.

The stage is set, the squad is assembled, and the journey begins. For Ghana and its Black Stars, AFCON 2023 represents not just a tournament but a chance to etch their names in the annals of football history, rekindling the spirit of triumph that has eluded them for over four decades.

Source:dailymailgh