Ibrahim Tanko, the coach of the Black Meteors, has suggested that his team will have a robust squad for the 2023 U23 African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco.
Tanko oversaw Ghana’s last appearance in the tournament in 2019, where they lost to South Africa in a penalty shootout in the 3rd place play-off, costing them a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
According to Tanko, several squad withdrawals due to club refusals to release players limited Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the Olympics. However, he is optimistic that a more positive outcome will prevail this time around, saying, “But I think this time we are lucky, and I’m sure we are going to have a strong team.”
“Every good player that can help us, we will invite him. Of course we have Fatawu (issahaku) Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen can play, Afena Gyan can play, Essiem, Salim, Zuberu…all of them are there.
“We are also looking at other players who are qualified to play so definitely we will do a very good selection for Ghana so that we will break that jinx since 2004,” he added.
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations will take place between June 24th and July 8th, 2023, in Rabat and Tangier. Ghana, Congo, Guinea, and host Morocco make up Group A, while Group B consists of Egypt, Mali, Gabon, and Niger.
Matches for Group A will be played at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, while Group B matches will take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier.
The top three nations in each group will earn a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Tanko has indicated that he is open to including every quality player who is available in his squad selection.
