Ghana U-23 gaffer Ibrahim Tanko warns ahead of Africa U-23 Nations Cup as he claimed his side is ready for Cameroon
The boss for the Black Meteors of Ghana Ibrahim Tanko has disclosed to the media that his side is ever ready for Cameroon in their opening game of African U-23 championship in Egypt.
During his pre-match interview on Friday Morning ahead of Ghana’s clash against Cameroon, Tanko’s words may seem lighter and normal words of encouragement that precedes any upcoming football event.
However, futballsurgery.com believe his words in the interview come in as a warning not only to his immediate competitors Cameroon but to all the teams that participate in the tournament.
Ghana enjoyed quite remarkably campaign in the qualification round, scored 11 goals and conceding only 3 goals in 6 games. This gives a little bit idea of how fierce the Meteors would be in the much awaited tournament.
Meteors have also had adequate preparations, be in Egypt since Monday. Tanko can boost of squad in-depth too prior to the kick start of the competition despite missing some key players.
In the absence of inspiring Roppap Mensah, which in any tournament may be to the disadvantage to Ghana, Tanko is fired up by Ropapa’s replacement Abass Issah who has been pretty strategic for Utrecht this season.
In his pre-match interview, Tanko revealed the explanation behind his warning to Cameroon and other teams in the upcoming AFCON.
“On the pitch we will do our maximum best to win the game.
“My team is ready and we are to map up a strategy to help us qualify to the Olympics”, Tanko disclosed.
Lack of competitive football in Ghana land may have affected Meteors as they head to Egypt, and to that large extent, go against the strategy Tanko deem to deploy in ensuring Ghana secure qualification to next summer’s Olympic Games.
But Tanko is not bothered by lack of football in Ghana ahead of the competition, “It’s true we’ve not had competitive domestic football in about a year but we also have players in foreign leagues so we came here with a good blend of local and foreign based players for this competition”.
Despite missing some key players, the Ghana boss is pleased with the performance exhibited by their replacements.
“Though we didn’t get all the players we wanted I believe in the players I’ve invited and I believe they will show what they can do. I am very happy with the performance I’ve seen from them so far”
Three out of five nations will represent Africa in the 2020 Olympic Games. Tanko’s ambition of claiming one of the slots pose a threat or limit not only Cameroon but at least five other nations’ chances of qualifying to Tokyo next summer.
Ghana will face Cameroon later today in Cairo for their opening game in the U-23 AFCON.
