Ghana’s U23 national team, the Black Meteors, has announced its provisional squad for the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Kamaldeen Sulemana taking center stage. The talented trio of Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, and Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer will lead the charge for the team in their quest for a place at the Olympic Games.
Under the guidance of coach Ibrahim Tanko, the Black Meteors will be hoping to make a strong impression in the tournament, which is set to kick off on June 24, 2023, in Morocco. The squad comprises 29 players, including some individuals who have already earned promotions to the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Kamaldeen Sulemana, who plies his trade with Southampton, has been in scintillating form and is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Ghana. His performances have earned him a call-up to the Black Stars’ 2023 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar later this month, showcasing the faith the national team has in his abilities.
Joining Sulemana in the provisional squad are Nordsjaelland’s Ernest Nuamah and Hamburg’s Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer. These players possess a wealth of experience and are expected to provide crucial contributions to the team’s success in the tournament.
However, the exclusion of Cremonese forward Felix Afena-Gyan has raised eyebrows. Despite earlier reports suggesting that Afena-Gyan was being considered for a call-up, he has once again missed out on the opportunity to represent Ghana in the U23 AFCON.
The Black Meteors will begin their preparations for the tournament by camping in Cairo, Egypt, before traveling to Morocco. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the team will depart Accra on June 12, 2023, to focus on their training and team cohesion.
In a challenging group that features hosts Morocco, Congo, and Guinea, the Black Meteors will face tough opposition in their quest to secure a spot in next year’s Olympic Games. The U23 AFCON not only serves as a platform to showcase young talents but also presents an opportunity for players to gain valuable experience and potentially make a breakthrough into the senior national team.
Ghana’s provisional squad reflects the country’s commitment to nurturing and developing promising young players, ensuring a bright future for Ghanaian football. As the tournament approaches, fans eagerly await the Black Meteors’ performance and hope for a successful campaign that propels them to Olympic qualification.
