Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus’ participation in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hangs in the balance, with coach Chris Hughton expressing cautious optimism about his recovery.
“We are expecting [Kudus] to join the group hopefully in a few days,” Hughton stated after unveiling his 27-man squad, acknowledging a “very slight injury issue” that requires attention before camp begins.
This news comes as the Black Stars open camp today in Kumasi, gearing up for a friendly against Namibia on January 8th at the Baba Yara Stadium. The match serves as a crucial preparation for both nations heading into the continental tournament.
Ghana will kicks off their AFCON campaign on January 14th against Cape Verde, a team they’ll need to overcome to avoid repeating their disappointing group-stage exit in the previous edition. The Black Stars then face record-holders of AFCON Egypt and the unpredictable Mozambique, making Group B a fiercely competitive battleground.
Kudus’ absence, if it persists, would be a huge blow to Ghana’s attacking ambitions. The success of the Black stars at African Cup of Nations will depend on collective effort, tactical discipline, and a bit of luck. If Kudus recovers in time and joins the fold, his creative spark could prove invaluable for the team.
The Black Stars’ pre-tournament preparations will be vital in building team chemistry and fine-tuning tactics. The Namibia friendly provides a valuable opportunity to test their mettle and identify areas for improvement before the real test begins.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to be hosted in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.