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Ghana’s Black Stars will kick off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 preparations by assembling in Johannesburg next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The four-time champions will meet on December 31st to begin a 10-day camp in South Africa ahead of next month’s finals in Cote d’Ivoire, the Ghana FA has announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ghana face a solitary warm-up friendly against Botswana on January 8th before travelling to Abidjan two days later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton confirmed training sessions at the Johannesburg camp will be closed to the media and public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hughton’s side have been drawn in a tricky Group B alongside giants Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They open their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14th in a rematch of their World Cup playoff earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ghana then take on record seven-time Afcon winners Egypt on January 18th in a titanic clash between two of the continent’s heavyweights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Black Stars conclude their group matches versus Mozambique on January 22nd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hughton is expected to name a strong squad including the likes of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Captain Andre Ayew will lead the squad as he looks to inspire Ghana to a first Afcon triumph since 1982.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a total of four titles, Ghana are seeking to close the gap on Egypt and Cameroon’s record tally of five AFCON wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the heartbreak of their 2022 World Cup group stage exit, Ghana are out to make amends on the international stage in Cote d’Ivoire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with tricky group opponents, Hughton knows his squad face a stern test if they are to advance deep into the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The manager will hope a focused Johannesburg training camp can help Ghana find their best form before the Afcon begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Ayew, Partey and others on board, Ghana still possess the undeniable quality to conquer Africa again 40 years on from their last success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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