2023 U23 AFCON: Chris Hughton lands in Morocco to offer technical support to Black Meteors

Chris Hughton, the head coach of the Black Stars, has arrived in Rabat for the 2023 TotalEnergies U23 African Cup of Nations. The tournament is being held in Morocco from June 24 to July 8, 2023.

Coach Hughton is present in Morocco to provide support to the technical team of the Black Meteors, who are starting their camp in pursuit of securing a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games Men’s Soccer competition in Paris.

Arriving in Rabat on Friday, Coach Hughton expressed his pleasure in being there and stated that his role is to assist the players, the head coach, and the technical staff.

He acknowledged the significance of being present at the competition, recognizing that many talented teams did not make it. The first measure of success, therefore, is the achievement of being there.

Coach Hughton emphasized the importance of making the nation proud and expressed confidence in the players’ commitment. He encouraged them to give their all and assured them that the technical staff only asks for their best efforts.

He acknowledged that the upcoming matches would require tactical efficiency, goal scoring, and a bit of luck. He urged the players to work hard and emphasized the necessity of teamwork.

Coach Hughton reminded the team that they are not only there for the experience but also to win as many games as possible. He emphasized their responsibility to make themselves, the head coach, the technical team, and the country proud.

In a brief meeting with the technical team and players, the Black Stars Head Coach conveyed his best wishes to them.

“It’s a pleasure to be here. My role and responsibility here is to support the players, the head Coach and the technical staff”.

“First and foremost, The success in being here because there are a lot of good teams that are not here at this competition. So the first mark of success is to be here”.

“Second is to make the nation proud. I am sure you will give everything and this is all the technical staff can ask for from you”.

“The games will be decided by quality tactical efficiency by scoring goals and some luck. I am sure you will work as hard as you can to make sure these things go in your favour”.

“None of these matches will be easy and you need team work. You are here for the experience and you are here to win as many games as you can.”

“You are here to make your selves , the head coach, technical team and importantly the country proud and I wish you all the best”, the Black Stars Head Coach said in  a brief meeting with the Technical team and players.

Ghana’s U23 AFCON campaign will commence on Sunday, with the Black Meteors facing Congo in the second Group A match. Subsequently, Ghana will compete against Morocco and Guinea in the remaining group matches.

The top two teams from Group A and Group B will advance to the semi-finals, and the winners and runners-up will automatically qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games Men’s Soccer competition in Paris.