2023 AFCON: Chris Hughton says Egypt will be tough after group stage draw

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has shared his thoughts on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage draw and picked Egypt to be a tough opponent.

The Black Stars have been paired in Group B, alongside the Pharaohs, Cape Verde and Mozambique for next year’s tournament.

Hughton’s side will, therefore, have to navigate their way past Egypt, who are seven-time winners of the AFCON, to top the group.

Speaking in the aftermath of the draw, the Ghana boss singled the North African side out as a tough opponent to be wary of.

“When the group was going to be announced, the fact that we were going to be in the second group of seeds, it was as if mostly thinking which team was going to be in the top of the groups and of course, as soon as Egypt come out the first, thoughts are of course they are a very experienced side,” Hughton said.

“Very experienced AFCON campaigners. I think they have more AFCON wins than any other country. I think so, they are experienced so for sure it’s a very, very tough opposition.”

The 2023 AFCON will be staged from January 13 to February 11, 2024, continuing the 24-team format tournament that started in 2019.

Ghana suffered a disappointing group-stage exit at the last AFCON in Cameroon and will be hoping to do better next year.

The Black Stars have also not won any major piece of silverware in over four decades and will be looking to end their long trophy drought in the Ivory Coast.

From Dreams of Liverpool's Jersey to Unearthing Talent: The Inspiring Journey of Abdul Latif Idrissu

Abdul Latif Idrissu, affectionately known as Shewu, is a name that once resonated with the promise of becoming a football legend. His journey, which started at a tender age, was once marked by comparisons to legends like Diego Amando Maradona.

However, it took a different path, one filled with both aspirations and setbacks.

As a young boy, Shewu's eyes sparkled with dreams of donning the iconic Liverpool jersey and playing in the English Premier League (EPL). The allure of the EPL, with its electrifying atmosphere and global stage, was his ultimate goal.

With each kick of the ball and every practice session, he envisioned himself scoring goals at Anfield and creating memories that would be etched in football history.

But fate had other plans for this talented footballer. Injuries, those cruel and unpredictable companions of athletes, intervened in his journey.

The dream of an EPL career seemed to slip away as Shewu faced the harsh reality of sidelined ambitions. It was a challenging period, where the pain of unfulfilled dreams weighed heavy on his shoulders.

However, Shewu's resilience and unwavering passion for football would not be dampened.

Instead of allowing setbacks to define him, he made a bold decision. He decided to shift his role from the field to the sidelines, choosing to operate in the football arena as a top-notch scout.

Shewu's newfound mission is clear: to unearth and nurture talents, guiding them on the path to playing in the top European leagues.

His personal experience of overcoming obstacles and learning from adversity equips him with unique insights into what it takes to succeed in the world of football.

In this new role, Shewu is determined to make a lasting impact.

He understands that behind every rising star, there may be hidden potential waiting to be discovered. Through his dedication and keen eye for talent, he aspires to be a driving force behind the success stories of future football legends.

Abdul Latif Idrissu's journey from aspiring EPL player to aspiring talent scout is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of individuals who refuse to let setbacks define their destiny. While the Liverpool jersey may not adorn his back on the pitch, his influence and guidance may one day shape the careers of those who do.

As he looks ahead, Shewu is proof that dreams may evolve, but the passion for football remains unwavering. His story serves as an inspiration to all those who continue to chase their dreams, no matter where their journey takes them.

Read Full Story