Ibrahim Tanko says he is optimistic about the chances of the Black Meteors qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games by finishing in the first three of the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The West African country is aiming to return to the global competition having last represented in 2004 and are preparing for the AFCON which serves as the qualification grounds for the championship.
Ghana narrowly missed out in 2019 when they lost their third-place playoff match to South Africa extending their absence in the renowned competition.
However, the team is poised to give their all to finally bring a possible end to their hiatus as they continue preparations for the tournament which will be held in Morocco later this year.
As part of their preparations, Ghana held Egypt to a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Alexandria Stadium.
On Tuesday, the team wrapped up their preparations ahead of the tournament with a 4-1 win over Egyptian side, Zamalek.
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 arrive in Morocco for the tournament later today.
The Black Stars have been housed in Group A alongside Morocco, Guinea and Congo.
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2023 will take place between 24 June to 08 July 2023 in the cities of Rabat and Tangier.