Black Meteors intensify preparations ahead of U-23 AFCON qualifiers

Ghana’s Black Meteors have stepped up preparations for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as head coach Desmond Ofei continues to assess his squad ahead of the campaign.

The first batch of players, drawn from the Ghana Premier League and Division One League, held another training session at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, August 8, as the team gradually builds towards the qualifiers.

The ongoing exercise forms part of the local phase of the Black Meteors’ preparations, with foreign-based players expected to join the squad once camping arrangements are finalised.

The U-23 AFCON qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin during the September international window. However, Ghana have been handed a bye and will enter the competition at the next stage in October.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce Ghana’s opponents and the schedule for the qualifying rounds.

Coach Ofei and his technical team are using the current training sessions to assess the local players and identify the best combination ahead of the qualifiers.

Ghana will be determined to secure qualification for the U-23 AFCON, which will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Black Meteors have endured a long absence from the Olympics, and a successful qualifying campaign would give Ghana an opportunity to return to the men’s football tournament for the first time in several editions.

With preparations now underway, Ofei will hope the ongoing exercise provides a strong foundation as the Black Meteors begin their quest to qualify for the U-23 AFCON and ultimately secure a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.

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