Experienced Ghanaian coach, J.E Sarpong, has expressed his belief that the Black Stars will require a miracle to progress to the next round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This statement follows the team’s lackluster performances in their two recent friendly matches against Mexico and the USA.
Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat against the CONCACAF champions and a heavy 4-0 loss to the US Men’s team.
With less than four months until the tournament kicks off, Sarpong, the former head trainer of Great Olympics and Ebusa Dwarfs, emphasized that the Black Stars’ chances look challenging, especially in a group containing Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Sarpong suggested that Ghanaians should adjust their expectations since the four-time African champions are not considered favorites to win the tournament.
“At the moment, it is impossible for Ghana to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is a fact. It will even take a miracle for Ghana to qualify for the next round of the tournament,” he told Kumasi-based Sompa FM.
“In our group, everyone is talking about Egypt because they are the most successful team in the AFCON but they seem to be struggling recently, and I think the focus should be on Cape Verde and Mozambique.
“In our case, we have lost to Comoros and have been struggling to win games, so it will be difficult for Ghana to win the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
“I will implore Ghanaians to lower their expectations because it will take a miracle for us to qualify for the next round of the tournament. We are not the favorite to win the tournament,” he added.
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024. The last time Ghana won the AFCON trophy was in 1982 in Libya.
