Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), leaves no room for doubt as he declares the Black Stars’ unequivocal goal to secure victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, ending Ghana’s 42-year trophy drought.
Ghana, a four-time African champion, last tasted AFCON glory in 1982 in Libya. Speaking on GHOne TV, Mr. Asante Twum emphasizes the tendency of national teams to spring surprises when least expected and expresses unwavering confidence in the Black Stars’ potential.
Recalling instances of underdog victories in past AFCON tournaments, he states, “Anytime I speak to issues about our goal, people say it is laughable. But in 2012 when Zambia were coming to the AFCON, nobody thought they would make an impact or win the tournament. When Nigeria was going to South Africa for the AFCON, nobody, 99 per cent of Nigerians had no belief or trust in the team, but they won the AFCON.”
Addressing concerns about unity and the manager’s experience, he asserts, “We believe we’ve got one of the best materials on the continent. We believe we have a good manager in place even though he doesn’t have AFCON experience. With these players, we can do anything in the competition.”
Clearly stating their objective, he says, “So our goal is to go to Cote d’Ivoire and win every game to be able to lift the trophy. It will not be easy, and the African game has come of age, and a lot of teams have improved over the period. But we know it is possible.”
The Black Stars, currently in Kumasi, will assess their readiness for the tournament in a friendly against Namibia on January 8 before departing for Ivory Coast two days later. Placed in Group B, Ghana will face Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in their quest for AFCON glory.
Their campaign begins against Cape Verde on January 14, 2024, followed by clashes with Egypt and Mozambique.
