Ghana international Bernard Tekpetey is unfazed by his exclusion from the Black Stars final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, saying it’s a plus for him making the provisional list.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian striker who plies his trade for Ludogorets in Bulgaria is one of the inform players to have missed out on the final squad for the tournament to be staged in Ivory Coast.
Ghana coach Chris Hughton announced his final 27-man squad for the tournament last Monday, dropping Tekpetey despite being on top form.
The former Schalke 04 striker was named in the 55-man provisional squad released two-weeks ago but failed to make the cut for the tournament proper in the neighbouring country.
Speaking to Asempa FM monitored by Footballghana.com, the inform Ludogorets attacker said he is saddened by his exclusion from the final squad for the tournament but rather content with his inclusion in the provisional squad.
“I’m not saddened by my exclusion from Ghana’s final squad for the AFCON because I believe in time and season as said in the Bible. I know if it’s my time I will find myself in the team and I know if it’s my season, definitely it will be great for me”
“My guys were really worried after missing out on the final 27-man squad but asked them to relax. I am the one who encouraged them”
“I won’t say I’m sad because this is not the first time something like this has happened to me. I’m matured in the game and being part of the 55-man provisional list is a plus for me and have to be grateful to God” he said.
The West Africa powerhouse will be competing for the continental showpiece in neighbouring country, Ivory Coast as the search for a fifth AFCON title continues.
Ghana are placed in Group B of the 2023 AFCON, alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 13 through to February 11, 2024.
Ghana have a history of success in the AFCON, having won the title four times, most recently in 1982. However, they have experienced defeat in three finals since then, including losses to Ivory Coast in 1992 on penalties and Egypt in 2010, as well as a repeat defeat to Ivory Coast in 2015.