Ghana Black Stars held to a goalless draw against Namibia before 2023 AFCON

Just six days before the Black Stars kick off their campaign in the Ivory Coast, concerns are being raised about Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations.

At Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium, the Black Stars’ final friendly match of the season ended in a dull goalless draw with Namibia. Fans were disappointed and began to doubt the team’s ability to have a big impact on the upcoming tournament after the lackluster performance.

Even though FIFA ranked them 61st, the four-time African champions found it difficult to generate clear-cut opportunities when playing Namibia, which is ranked 115th. With only one win against Madagascar and losses to Mexico, the United States, and Comoros, Ghana’s fifth game under coach Chris Hughton ends in a stalemate.

 

Ghana’s 0-0 draw with Namibia is especially concerning because it marks the fifth time under Hughton’s leadership that the team has failed to score.

The Black Stars put up a lackluster first half of the game, which was not shown on television at coach Hughton’s request, and only slightly improved in the second half, but still couldn’t put the Namibians to the sword.

The crowd at the stadium was disappointed, but Namibia managed to hang on for a draw despite Hughton’s substitutions late in the game.

Concerns are mounting ahead of Ghana’s January 14 Group B opener against Cape Verde as they are unable to play with intensity. In the group stage, the Black Stars will play Egypt, the seven-time African champions, and Mozambique to finish their group stage.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com