Ghana’s Black Stars may have stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Namibia in their final pre-AFCON friendly, but coach Chris Hughton remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming tournament.
“How far we [Ghana] can go depends on the performances that we can put in,” Hughton stated after the match.
Despite the absence of key players Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Salis Mohammed due to injuries, the Black Stars dominated the friendly, showcasing their prowess on the field.
However, their inability to convert any of those opportunities into goals raised concerns about their offensive efficiency.
The 65-year-old tactician acknowledged the disappointment but also highlighted the positive aspects of the game. ” If you have a group of players that desperately want to do well you never know what can happen,” he emphasized, pointing to the team’s fighting spirit.
The Black Stars now head to Ivory Coast with a mix of anxieties and aspirations. While injuries and missed goals raise questions, the team’s determination and Hughton’s unwavering belief offer a beacon of hope.
Ghana finds itself in a challenging Group B at the AFCON, alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. The tournament, set to commence on January 13 and run until February 11, promises intense competition, and the Black Stars are eager to make their mark on the continental stage.