Frederick Acheampong, Chairman of the Black Meteors Management Committee, has acknowledged that defensive lapses were responsible for the team’s early exit from the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Acheampong expressed disappointment in the performance of Ghana’s defense throughout their matches, which fell short of their expectations. Despite showing promise in attack, Ghana conceded eight goals in three matches, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“During the qualifiers, we had high hopes for our defense. We only conceded two goals in four games, so it seemed like our strongest department. However, when we arrived at the tournament, there were changes,” Acheampong explained during an interview with 3FM on Sports Ultras.
He further elaborated, “Alex Opoku couldn’t participate in the tournament, which forced the coaches to make changes. Unfortunately, our once strongest department became our weakest, and we conceded eight goals in three matches, which is unacceptable.”
Ghana finished in third place with four points, behind group leaders Morocco, who won all their matches, and Guinea, who advanced with a better goal difference.
With their early exit, Ghana will have to wait for at least another four years to make another attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games football tournament, having missed out since 2004 when it was held in Athens, Greece.
