Black Stars set to shine: Johannesburg camp marks prelude to AFCON 2023

In anticipation of the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023, Ghana’s Black Stars are set to commence their pre-tournament preparations in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

The squad will converge in South Africa on Sunday, December 31, 2023, embarking on a ten-day training stint ahead of Africa’s premier football spectacle.

The rigorous training camp, strategically positioned in the heart of Johannesburg, aims to fine-tune the Black Stars’ skills and coordination as they gear up for a formidable challenge in Group B. Ghana is pitted against football powerhouses Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in the group stage, promising intense and closely watched encounters.

An essential component of the team’s preparation is a friendly match against Botswana scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024, in Johannesburg. This encounter will serve as a crucial test and an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad’s form and tactical readiness before jetting off to Abidjan.

Following their South African stint, the Black Stars will fly to Abidjan on January 10, just days before the tournament’s kickoff on Saturday, January 13. Ghana will be hoping to break its 40-year Afcon trophy drought in Cote D’Ivoire.

The Ghanaian team, led by high expectations, is slated to commence their AFCON journey against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, followed by challenging fixtures against football heavyweights Egypt and Mozambique on January 18 and January 22, 2024, respectively.

In a move to maintain focus and intensity, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has declared that the team’s training sessions during the Johannesburg camp will remain closed to the public and media.