Ghana coach Chris Hughton says the Black Stars will face a tough challenge against the “very experienced” Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also admitted that he doesn’t have extensive knowledge about Ghana’s other group opponents, Cape Verde and Mozambique. Ghana have been placed in Group B alongside record holders Egypt for the tournament in Ivory Coast, set to commence on January 13, 2024, with Ghana’s first match against Cape Verde in Abidjan.
Hughton’s assessment of Egypt’s strength was evident when he stated to Ghana FA media, “Egypt are a very experienced side, very experienced AFCON campaigners and I think they have more wins than any other country. For sure, they are very tough opposition.” Despite recognizing the challenge, Hughton expressed the team’s eagerness to compete against one of the best teams in African football.
Regarding Cape Verde and Mozambique, Hughton confessed, “Mozambique and Cape Verde are two teams that I don’t know so much about. However, we will do all of our homework, over these coming months, [and] watch their games from now, and before the tournament starts.” He concluded by acknowledging the unpredictability of group draws, saying, “But I think whenever a group comes out, you always think that it could have been better for us, and could have been worse for us.”
Hughton is presently concentrating on the upcoming friendlies against Mexico (scheduled for October 15 at 12:30 am local time) and the United States (slated for October 18 at 12:30 am local time).