Ghana’s quest for glory in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) faces additional challenges as coach Chris Hughton reveals more injury concerns in the Black Stars camp.
Ahead of the tournament held in Ivory Coast, the fitness of key players Antoine Semenyo and Salis Abdul Samed has come under scrutiny.
Ghana’s initial 27-man squad already had setbacks with Inaki Williams requiring rest and Mohammed Kudus joining the team late due to an injury sustained at West Ham United.
The latest blows involve Semenyo and Samed, who were notably absent from the team’s pre-AFCON friendly against Namibia on Monday, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Addressing their absence, coach Hughton clarified, “Semenyo was ill [on Sunday] and couldn’t train, that’s why he missed today’s game. Salis picked up a knock [on Sunday in training].”
Despite the setbacks, Hughton remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ chances in the tournament. Speaking about their title aspirations, he stated, “I don’t want to be the head coach of a team that doesn’t think they have a chance of winning it.”
Ghana’s journey in AFCON 2023 begins with a match against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2023, followed by encounters with record holders Egypt and Mozambique in subsequent Group B matches.
The four-time champions, aim to bounce back from the disappointment of the 2021 AFCON, where they exited in the first round after a surprising defeat to debutants Comoros in their final group game.
With their last AFCON title secured 42 years ago in Libya, Ghana are determined to overcome the injury challenges and showcase their prowess on the field in pursuit of continental glory.
Fans await the team’s response as they embark on their AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast.