With the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 just days away, former Ghanaian international Dan Quaye has voiced apprehensions about the defensive capabilities of the Ghana national football team.
The seasoned defender, who represented the Black Stars in his playing days, has raised concerns about the team’s performance and its readiness to face formidable opponents in Ivory Coast.
Analysts and supporters have been scrutinizing Ghana’s gameplay, spanning from the qualifiers for the 2023 Ivory Coast AFCON to the recent FIFA international matches in October.
While the team has demonstrated goal-scoring prowess, it has also faced challenges in preventing goals, prompting worries about its defensive strategy.
“I am not satisfied with our defense,” remarked Dan Quaye, emphasizing the urgency for meticulous work on shoring up defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the tournament.
The former Black Star particularly highlighted the impending challenge of facing experienced players like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in the same group.
Expressing his concerns further, Quaye stressed the need for strategic improvements to counter the formidable opponents Ghana will encounter during the competition.
“We are in the same group as Egypt, and you can see experienced players in their team. Honestly, if we fail to work on it, it will be difficult for us to contain players like Mohamed Salah,” cautioned Dan Quaye.
In addition to critiquing the defensive aspect, Quaye scrutinized coach Chris Hughton’s provisional roster.
He argued that the squad lacks experienced defenders necessary for a high-stakes competition like the AFCON.
Quaye suggested the inclusion of seasoned players such as Mubarak Wakaso, Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, and Frank Acheampong, emphasizing their wealth of experience at the highest level.
Ghana, positioned in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, faces a challenging task as it strives to address defensive frailties and compete effectively in the upcoming tournament.
