Ghana coach, Chris Hughton has expressed his focus on the future rather than the past performance as he prepares the Black Stars for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The Black Stars aim to rebound from their disappointing campaign in the 2021 Afcon in Cameroon, where they unprecedentedly failed to advance from the group stage under the leadership of Serbian tactician Milovan Rajevac.
Ghana started with a defeat against Morocco, managed a draw against Gabon, and suffered a shocking loss to Comoros, leading to the early exit from the competition.
Hoping for a turnaround in 2023, Ghana’s goal is to challenge for the Afcon trophy once again. Coach Hughton, discussing his perspective in a GFA Media interview after the group stage draw, expressed his focus on the future.
Hughton emphasized, “I don’t think there is anything with regards to pressure relating to the past. The pressure is that as a proud football nation that has qualified for this tournament, we want to do the best that we can.”
Reflecting on the disappointing campaign in the previous Afcon, Hughton added, “We know it was disappointing in the last campaign, but that was in the past.”
Ghana has been drawn into Group B for the 2023 Afcon, alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Hughton remains optimistic, stating, “All we can do is look forward to preparing ourselves the best way that we can, making sure that we put ourselves in the best possible position to come out of the group.”
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with a prestigious competition like the Afcon, Hughton stressed the team’s ultimate goal, saying, “But the pressure is always there; we want to win football matches, and the only way you can achieve something at this competition is by winning matches.”
The Black Stars will begin their latest quest for a fifth Afcon title on January 14, 2024, facing Cape Verde, followed by games against Egypt and Mozambique within a four-day interval.
Afcon 2023: Ghana to tackle Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in Group B
