Head coach of the Black Stars Chris Hughton says he is not under any pressure to ensure the team better their record from the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana suffered its worst performance on the continental stage during the AFCON 2021 which was played in Cameroon. Then under Milovan Rajevac, the Black Stars failed to advance from the group stage.
They lost their opening game to Morocco before picking up a draw against Gabon. The team also suffered defeat to Comoros, ending their campaign in Cameroon.
Fast forward to 2023, Ghana will look to challenge for the trophy again when the competition kicks off in Ivory Coast after discovering their group opponents.
Speaking in an interview with the GFA media, Hughton says he is not burdened with doing better than his predecessor.
“I don’t think there is anything with regards to pressure relating to the past. The pressure is that as a proud football nation that has qualified for this tournament, we want to do the best that we can,” he said.
“We know it was disappointing in the last campaign but that was in the past. All we can do is look forward to preparing ourselves the best way that we can, making sure that we put ourselves in the best possible position to come out of the group.
“Once you come out of the group, you have no idea which teams you will face at this particular moment. But the pressure is always there; we want to win football matches and the only way you can achieve something at this competition is by winning matches.”
Ghana is drawn in Group B for the 2023 AFCON where they will face competition from Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.