Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana’s objective is clear ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Ivory Coast, insisting that the team is in the competition to win and take an important step towards their ultimate dream.
Ghana will face the Elephants in a highly anticipated encounter, with both sides looking to begin their qualifying campaign on a positive note.
For Queiroz, however, the match represents more than just an opening fixture. He sees every game as part of a bigger journey towards securing qualification for the continental showpiece.
Speaking ahead of the clash, the Portuguese coach described qualification itself as the first major challenge facing every national team.
“We are here to play to win one specific competition and all national teams in this moment they have one specific competition called qualification. That’s the first cup that you have to win.”
Queiroz believes Ghana must approach the encounter with the right mentality, while recognising the quality of the opposition. Ivory Coast boast a talented squad and will provide a stern test for the Black Stars, but the Ghana coach is confident his own team has the quality to compete.
He described Thursday’s encounter as an important stage in Ghana’s journey, while making it clear that the team’s ambitions extend beyond just one result.
“And this game it is just one step on our journey to that dream. So our goals are clear. There is no doubt about that.”
The former Portugal coach also expects an entertaining contest between two teams determined to secure victory. With quality players on both sides, he believes supporters will be treated to an exciting encounter.
“We are here to play a good match against a great team, great players, good coaches. What I can say is, I think the fans will enjoy a lot the game tomorrow because we have also great players, great staff in our team, great potential.”
Ghana will enter the fixture with renewed determination after missing out on the last Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The Black Stars will be eager to avoid another difficult qualification campaign and make a strong statement from the opening game.
Queiroz expects both teams to go in search of victory but hopes Ghana can show greater inspiration when it matters most.
“And I’m sure that both teams want to win. I expect and I hope that we will be the team with more inspiration to get the right result tomorrow.”
With qualification the ultimate target, Ghana know that a positive result against Ivory Coast could provide an important foundation for the matches ahead.
The Black Stars will now look to translate Queiroz’s confidence and ambition into a strong performance on the pitch.
