Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo says Ghana will approach the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire with confidence, insisting that the quality of the Ivorian side will not intimidate the team.
Ghana are set to face Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial AFCON qualifying encounter, with Sibo acknowledging the strength of their opponents while also expressing confidence in the quality available within the Black Stars squad.
The midfielder says Ghana has enough talented players to compete against the Ivorians and is ready for the challenge.
“It doesn’t scare me. We know the opponents in front of us. They are a very good nation and have good individual players. We also have quality players who can match them, and we are ready for that match,” Sibo said.
Sibo’s comments underline the level of respect the Black Stars have for Côte d’Ivoire, while making it clear that Ghana will not approach the fixture with fear.
The midfielder believes the presence of quality players on both sides could make the encounter a highly competitive contest, with Ghana needing to produce a strong team performance to achieve the desired result.
For Sibo, however, the bigger objective extends beyond the upcoming fixture. He says Ghana’s ultimate target is to secure qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations after the disappointment of missing out on the previous tournament.
“The only thing I have in mind is we have to qualify this AFCON,” Sibo stated.
Reflecting on Ghana’s failure to qualify for the last edition of the continental competition, the midfielder described the experience as a major disappointment for everyone associated with the national team.
“The last AFCON that we didn’t qualify was a big disappointment to all of us,” he added.
The comments highlight the determination within the Black Stars camp to avoid another failure to qualify for the continent’s biggest international football tournament.
Sibo believes the team must therefore remain focused on the task ahead and approach every qualifying match with the seriousness required to secure the points needed for progression.
The upcoming clash with Côte d’Ivoire presents Ghana with an immediate test, but Sibo’s message is one of confidence, determination and collective responsibility.
With the Black Stars boasting a group of experienced and emerging players, the midfielder believes Ghana can match the quality of their opponents and compete strongly for qualification.
