Prosper Harrison Addo, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), emphasized their comprehensive preparations leading up to the crucial final group game of the Black Stars in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Central African Republic (CAR).
Scheduled for September 7, Ghana will host the Central African Republic at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium for their last Group E match. The national team, a four-time African champion, requires just a draw to secure their berth in the esteemed continental tournament set to take place in Ivory Coast the following year.
Addo highlighted the collective efforts being undertaken to ensure a successful outcome for the team: “It’s a must, a game that we are not leaving anything unturned,” he told Citi Sports.
“We are going to work, both technical, players, administratively, and everybody will put their shoulder to the wheel.
“I know Ghanaians will be in full support so as to ensure qualification. And then there are matches lined up to play, to prepare the team.
He acknowledged the significance of friendly matches in team preparation and building, acknowledging the coach’s experimentation during this process.
“Team building is a process and so we need to afford the team-friendly matches. And so, my only wish is that in team building, sometimes the coaches are trying a number of things, so we should give them the room,” he added.
Having accumulated nine points from five matches, the Black Stars are currently leading their group. With a 41-year gap since their last AFCON trophy, the team is determined to end their drought. The upcoming squad announcement for the decisive game against CAR is anticipated from head coach Chris Hughton in the coming week.