The Sports Ministry and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are reportedly reconsidering their decision to hold the national football team’s pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp in South Africa.
The initial plan, confirmed by the GFA, faced public dissent, prompting a reevaluation of the training location and schedule.
Originally scheduled to open camp in Johannesburg on December 31, the team’s decision faced significant opposition from the Ghanaian public. In response to the concerns raised, there’s now a noticeable pivot in strategy.
The Sports Ministry, aligning with public sentiment, is reportedly advocating for a change in the camp location to Kumasi, signaling a shift in the team’s pre-tournament preparations.
Under the revised proposal, the team is expected to face Namibia in a pre-tournament friendly as part of their adjusted training regimen in Kumasi.
While the original plan had the team staying in camp for approximately ten days before departing for the Ivory Coast, this reshuffling of the preparatory phase introduces a new dynamic to the lead-up to the 2023 AFCON.
Meanwhile, head coach of the team, Chris Hughton, has announced a 55-man provisional squad for the tournament, including notable names from Asante Kotoko, Medeama SC, and international clubs such as West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Athletic Bilbao.
However, Tariq Lamptey and Kamaldeen Sulemana have been ruled out of the tournament due to various degrees of injuries despite being named in the provisional squad.
The final 27-man squad is expected to be announced on January 3. Ghana has been placed in Group B and will face Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in the tournament scheduled to kick off from January 13 to February 11.
The Black Stars of Ghana will first play against Cape Verde on January 14, 2024, followed by matches against Egypt and Mozambique.