AFCON 2023: ‘At the moment, it’s impossible for Ghana to win’ — Veteran Ghanaian coach

Veteran Ghanaian coach, Joseph Emmanuel (JE) Sarpong has expressed doubts about the Ghana Black Stars' chances of winning the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.

Sarpong's reason is based on recent performances that have revealed shortcomings of the team.

Ghana faced a 4-0 defeat against the USA and a 2-0 loss to Mexico during the October international break.

These matches highlighted various issues, including a lack of attacking threat, as Ghana managed just two shots on target in both games.

As the Black Stars prepare to return to action in November for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Madagascar and Comoros, concerns have been raised about their readiness for the AFCON competition scheduled to kick off in January 2024.

Ghana's AFCON group features record holders Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.

In an interview with Kumasi-based Sompa FM monitored by Modernghana News, Sarpong candidly expressed his concerns, stating, "At the moment, it is impossible for Ghana to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is a fact.

“It will even take a miracle for Ghana to qualify for the next round of the tournament."

While acknowledging Egypt as a successful team in AFCON, Sarpong suggested that the focus should shift focus to Cape Verde and Mozambique.

He said, "In our group, everyone is talking about Egypt because they are the most successful team in AFCON, but they seem to be struggling recently, and I think the focus should be on Cape Verde and Mozambique."

He further emphasised that Ghana has struggled to win games, citing their loss to Comoros, and highlighted the significant obstacles the team may face in their pursuit of AFCON success.

Sarpong concluded by advising Ghanaians to lower their expectations for the tournament, given the current state of the Black Stars.

"In our case, we have lost to Comoros and have been struggling to win games, so it will be difficult for Ghana to win the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

“I will implore Ghanaians to lower their expectations because it will take a miracle for us to qualify for the next round of the tournament. We are not the favourite to win the tournament," he added.