Ibrahim Tanko, the head coach of the Ghanaian U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, did not shy away from expressing his disappointment with the team’s performance at the 2023 U-23 African Cup of Nations tournament. Following a 1-1 draw with Guinea that led to their elimination from the tournament, Tanko openly discussed the team’s shortcomings in a post-match interview.
Tanko acknowledged that Ghana was not among the strongest teams in terms of quality in the tournament but emphasized that they were working tirelessly to improve. He also commended the efforts of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in striving for positive changes but stressed the need for more action.
In an effort to underscore the team’s need for improvement, Tanko drew a comparison between their performance in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt and their overall display in the tournament. He remarked, “Yes, everyone witnessed it, we are undoubtedly not the best team in terms of quality in this tournament, but we are undeniably putting in immense effort as a nation. The FA is actively working to bring about change, but we must do more, as you rightly pointed out. When you observe the game against Egypt (pre-tournament friendly) and today’s match, it becomes evident that we need to catch up; otherwise, time will slip away from us.”
Tanko’s candid assessment highlights the urgency for Ghana to bridge the gap and elevate its performance in youth football. While acknowledging the challenges faced, he remains hopeful that with continued dedication and concerted efforts from the GFA, Ghana can make significant strides in the development of its U-23 national team.
The coach’s frank remarks serve as a wake-up call not only to the players and coaching staff but also to the entire football fraternity in Ghana. It is a reminder that sustained investment in youth development programs and infrastructure is crucial to nurture talented players and enhance the country’s competitiveness at the international stage.
As the U-23 AFCON concludes, Ghana must take this opportunity to reflect, learn, and implement strategies that will accelerate their progress in youth football. Tanko’s assessment serves as a timely reminder that time is of the essence, and decisive action is required to ensure Ghana’s future success in the sport.