Ghana’s Black Meteors have intensified preparations for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as head coach Desmond Ofei continues to assess players ahead of the country’s campaign.
The first group of players, selected from clubs in the Ghana Premier League and Division One League, held their training session at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The training forms part of the local phase of the team’s preparations, with Ofei using the sessions to evaluate players and identify those who could form the core of the squad for the qualifiers.
The technical team is expected to bring in Ghanaian players based abroad as preparations continue and the final camping arrangements are put in place.
The U-23 AFCON qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin during the September international window, giving the Black Meteors a limited period to build a competitive squad and develop the tactical approach needed for the qualifiers.
Ghana will be hoping to successfully navigate the qualifying rounds and secure a place at the next U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament will be particularly important because it will also serve as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Black Meteors have a proud history at the Olympic Games, having won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
However, Ghana have struggled to return to the men’s Olympic football tournament in recent years.
Coach Ofei and his technical team will therefore be under pressure to assemble a strong squad capable of ending Ghana’s long absence from the Olympic stage.
