"Ghana Will Cause a Surprise at AFCON 2023": Former Black Stars Forward Odartey Lamptey

• Odartey Lamptey remains confident ahead of AFCON 2023
• The Ghana legend believes the Black Stars can win the tournament
• Ghana has not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 1982

Legendary Ghanaian footballer, Nii Odartey Lamptey insists the Black Stars should not be written off ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next month.

The four-time African champions have been unconvincing in recent times, leaving many Ghanaians sceptical about their chances at AFCON 2023.

Ghana has not won the tournament since 1982 despite reaching the final three times in the last three decades.

And according to Lamptey, the Black Stars could pull a surprise, especially with the odds against them.

"I’ve followed the team quite a bit. I think the coach has assembled young materials with a couple of experienced players. If they are able to go to camp early, it will help," he said in an interview with Sienu TV, as quoted by My Joy Online.

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"I think from what I’ve seen, we have a good team with an experienced coach. He’s part of the team that went to the World Cup so he knows the team very well. I’m sure with the support of the FA and all Ghanaians, we will cause a surprise.

"People are doubting but I think we will cause a surprise at the AFCON."

Ghana have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique, as reported by Pulse.

Odartey Lamptey opens up on AFCON 1992 defeat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Ghanaian midfielder Nii Odartey Lamptey suggested that the Black Stars lost the final of the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations due to the unavailability of Abedi Pele.

The Black Stars came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the semi-final and proceeded to the final, where they lost to Ivory Coast.

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The epic final ended goalless after extra time, but Ghana were beaten 11-10 via penalty shootout.

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Sports Brief also reported that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast is less than a month away and qualified countries are preparing feverishly ahead of the competition which begins on January 13.

Twenty-four nations will battle it out for the ultimate in the West African country from January to February 2024.

Every team participating in the continental championship has named either their provisional squad or their final list in preparation for the tournament.