2023 AFCON: Ghana's ambassador to Ivory Coast charges Black Stars to end 42 years trophy drought
Ghana's Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, His Excellency Frederick Daniel Laryea has tasked the Black Stars to end the country's 42-year Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy drought.
His Excellency Daniel Laryea visited the team on Thursday at the base in Ivory Coast ahead of the tournament which gets underway this weekend.
''I came here just to express our support and cooperation to the team. We know that you are mentally and physically prepared to win the Cup because it's been forty years plus since we won it. It is a great honour and privilege for me to welcome you to Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire. First of all, I wish to commend you for qualifying to participate in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations," he said.
''Ghana is known as a football nation and I am sure that you are physically, morally and mentally prepared to play, not only to play but to win. It's been over years since we won and this is the time for us to win to show that Ghana is back. So I hope that you are going to perform well just like Julius Ceasar.
''When he conquered his enemies, said that I came, I saw and I conquered. I want it to be said that you came, you played well and won, so we look forward to Ghana celebrating your victory. Be rest assured that you have the full support and cooperation of the Embassy staff and myself," he added.
Ghana is in Group B for the tournament and will face Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique.
The Black Stars of Ghana will first come up against Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024, then face Egypt at the same venue four days later and then Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.