In order to fulfill the long-held goal of winning an AFCON trophy—which has eluded Ghana for more than 40 years—President Nana Akufo-Addo has rallied the Black Stars as they prepare for the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

During dinner on Tuesday at the team’s Kumasi camp, President Akufo-Addo challenged the players to go into the tournament with a can do spirit.

Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, Regional Minister of Ashanti Simon Osei Mensah, and a few dignitaries from the Ghana Football Association were among the important officials who accompanied the President.

With this farewell, the Black Stars’ pre-tournament preparations in Kumasi came to an end. On January 8, they played Namibia to an uninspiring draw.

In Group B, Ghana is drawn with Mozambique, Egypt, and Cape Verde. The first group game for Chris Hughton’s team is against Cape Verde. The other group games will see them play record champions Egypt and Mozambique.