President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the senior national men’s soccer team, the Black Stars, to ensure that the over 40 years trophy drought is brought to an end.
He said that task will appear daunting but it is a possible feat to achieve after having been done four times in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“The last time the Black Stars brought the Cup back home on the 4th occasion was in 1982, 40 years ago,” he noted while addressing the team at a farewell dinner held in Kumasi on Tuesday, January 9.
“The target in the next four weeks is to bring the Cup home this year by winning AFCON 2023 for the fifth time.
“That will go a step further than the second place in 1968, 1970, 1992, 2010 and 2015 and bring the 41-year drought to an end.
“The task might appear daunting but it is possible.”
He brimmed with confidence that the Black Stars will qualify from their group, ensuring that there is no repeat of the last edition.
Ghana failed to win a match in AFCON 2021 after losing 1-0 to Morocco, drawing 1-1 with Gabon and falling 3-2 to debutantes Comoros Islands.
The four-time champions will play Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique in Group B at this year’s tournament in neighbouring Ivory Coast.
President Akufo-Addo said the team has the support of the entirety of Ghanaians as they make another onslaught for continental glory.
“Go all out and make us proud,” he charged, citing the country’s accolade as the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence.
“Let us make the Black Stars shine and shine again in Abidjan.”
