By Tilda Acorlor
Ghana’s Black Stars will begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against the Atlas Lions of Morrocco on Monday in their opening Group C encounter at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo In Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Ghana and Morrocco will open Group C at 4:00 pm local time with Comoros and Gabon set to engage in the second match of the day.
Prior to the tournament, Ghana and Morocco both lost to Africa champions Algeria in a friendly International.
However, Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, is chasing its fifth title in four decades while Morrocco looks forward to ending their 46-year wait for a trophy.
Captain of Ghana’s team, Andre Ayew is optimistic his side were ready to deliver the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Trophy by hook or crook.
“AFCON is a very tough competition. We are seen as underdogs in this competition and it is okay will go with determination and hunger to prove a point,” Andre Ayew said.
“We will die on the pitch, we will die to the end and make sure every player who wears the jersey will sweat with his last energy to get the desired results. We will fight with our last blood to deliver the AFCON title for Ghanaians,” he added.
Statistically, Ghana and Morocco have met three times previously at the AFCON, all in the group stages. their head-to-head record is perfectly balanced with one win each and one draw. Meanwhile, these three games have only produced three goals.
Ghana needs more than a good performance to get past an improved and experienced Moroccan side that is determined to end their days in the wilderness.
The 2021 AFCON have already marked an emphatic Opening Day encounter between the host nation, Cameroon and Burkina Faso which ended 2-1 on Sunday in favor of the hosts.
The tournament which will run till February 06, 2021, will see 24 teams vie for the ultimate trophy.