Abagna: Group C still poses a challenge

Saturday Jan 14, 2023. 15:00

David Abagna insists it would be a mistake for Ghana to take Madagascar and Sudan lightly at the 2022 African Nations Championships (CHAN).

The Black Galaxies will contest Group C against Barea and the Secretarybirds after defending champions Morocco withdrew on the eve of the tournament to boost the other three teams’ hopes.

Annor Walker’s squad arrived in Constantine on Thursday to begin their final preparations for the clash with the island nation at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium on Sunday night.

Abagna, who represents Real Tamale United back in his homeland, declared the two-time CHAN runners-up ready for the challenges ahead in Algeria but has warned his team-mates to be wary of complacency in the group.

“We started with our preparations gradually in Ghana and increased the intensity when we got here. We played a few low-profile matches and progressed to playing tougher sides from Ghana which also included a few international friendlies,” the 24-year-old attacking midfielder told CAF Online.

“So, I think our preparations have been good but there is still quite a bit of work to do. We were in Algiers for a few days and also played a couple of friendly matches which gave us a taste of the weather but now that we are here in Constantine, we have to re-adjust a bit because it is much colder.

“We are a difficult group. We cannot afford to look down on anyone. It is a game of football which at times comes with surprises. Everyone comes into the tournament with their best players, so you need to be ready for anything. We can only stay focused and try to take every game as it comes.”