Ghana is keen on qualifying for the Olympic Games after missing out several times. The last time, Ghana appeared at the Olympics was in 2004, when it was held in Athens.
In 2019, the Black Meteors lost their 3rd place qualification slot to South Africa after losing on penalties.
Almost two decades, Ghana is yet to make appearance and they will have to win the CAF U-23 AFCON tournament or finish second nor third else misses out again.
With the competition starting later this month in Morocco, head coach of the Black Meteors Ibrahim Tanko is optimistic about the chances of the Black Meteors overturning their misfortunes in 2019 to eventually qualify for next year’s Olympic Games.
He believes they can finish in the first three of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The AFCON serves as the qualification grounds for the championship in Paris, France next year.
Ghana as part of preparation, pitched camp to Egypt ahead of the tournament where they faced Egypt U-23 team in friendly with scores ending 1-1 at the Alexandria Stadium on Thursday in which Ibrahim Tanko was impressed.
According to him, the performance of the players was enough to be hopeful of going a step further than in 2019.
“I think it’s a very good experience. We missed out on qualifying for [the Tokyo Olympic Games] Japan with one penalty but when I look at this squad I’m very hopeful that we are going to make it this time,” he stated after the game.
“And when I look at the game today and those who are yet to join us, I think this time we are going to make it.
“The target is to qualify to the Olympic Games but there is a cup also to win so we will do our best to win the cup but if by doing so but if we finish second or third and qualify, I think it is all good.
Ghana will play a friendly match with Egyptian giant’s Zamalek before leaving for Morocco where they will compete in Group A with the hosts as well as Congo and Guinea.
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