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Ahead of the AFCON qualifier against Madagascar, KRC Genk midfielder Joseph Paintsil attended the press conference alongside head coach Chris Hughton. During the press conference, Paintsil dismissed claims that some players might not be up to the task.

In his statement, Paintsil expressed that every player invited to the national team is highly motivated for the upcoming clash between Ghana and Madagascar. He emphasized the team’s belief, unity, commitment, and their ability to overcome any challenges.

Paintsil also noted that any ups and downs experienced by players at their respective clubs would not affect their performance for the national team.

“I think every player who is invited here is really motivated for the clash between Ghana and Madagascar. As you can see we still have the belief, the team to work, the commitment and everything. Even though they have a little bit of up and downs at their clubs that does not really affect them in the national team.”

“With their mentality, they are ready for it. Every player who is invited here is ready to give it all for the fans and Ghanaians” Painstil said.

Ghana is placed in Group E alongside Central African Republic, Angola, and Madagascar. A victory in the match against Madagascar on Sunday will secure qualification for the AFCON 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast.

Chris Hughton, the head coach of the Black Stars, has expressed his admiration for Hafiz Konkoni and his integration into the team as they prepare for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar this weekend.

Konkoni, a 24-year-old forward, stood out in the Ghana Premier League with his impressive performances for Bechem United in the recently concluded season. Although he fell short of winning the golden boot, scoring 15 goals compared to Abednego Tetteh’s tally of 18, Konkoni’s contributions did not go unnoticed.

Having participated in all the training sessions held at the Accra Sports Stadium, Konkoni has showcased his abilities to the satisfaction of coach Chris Hughton.

The coach, who already had high expectations for the promising striker, had the opportunity to watch him play live and has also studied video footage of his performances. Hughton commended Konkoni’s performance in training, stating that it was not surprising considering the talent he had observed before. Despite his young age, Hughton noted that Konkoni displays a level of maturity beyond his years.

“I was fortunate to watch him live last weekend. I have been able to watch him on video. I thought he did well today [in training]. It wasn’t a surprise because he is a player I have enjoyed watching. He is a young player so I think he has a lot of development still. Speaking to him I think he is quite a mature player for his age,” Chris Hughton shared.

Hafiz Konkoni will be eager to make his debut for the Black Stars as they face the Bareas on Sunday, June 18, in Antananarivo.

Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah will not be able to participate in the upcoming match between the Black Stars and Madagascar due to an injury. Mensah, who plays for AJ Auxerre, arrived at the team’s camp on Monday but did not take part in the training session held at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The medical team assessed Mensah’s knee injury, which he had sustained during the season. As a result, he has been ruled out of the game, as confirmed by the team doctor.

“Gideon suffered a knee injury during the season, and his club managed it conservatively until the end of the season. After evaluating him in camp on Monday, we decided it would be best to excuse him from this game to prevent further aggravation of the injury,” stated Dr. Prince Pambo, the head of the team’s medical staff, as reported on ghanafa.org.

“We expect him to rest adequately during the break and recover in time for the next season,” he added.

In the meantime, the team will continue their preparations at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Mensah, who made his debut for Ghana in 2019 against South Africa, has already represented the country in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His absence will be felt by the team, as he has been a valuable asset on the defensive end.

The Black Stars are scheduled to depart the country on Friday, June 16, heading to Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Antananarivo, where the game against Madagascar will take place on Sunday, June 18.

Players of the senior national team, the Black Stars, have started arriving in camp ahead of the preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Several players including captain Andre Ayew and his younger brother Jordan Ayew as well as returnee Kassim Adams have reported to the team’s hotel.

The only player missing is Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who is expected to arrive this week before the trip to Antananarivo.

The team will hold it’s first training on Monday after at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana will leave for Madagascar on Friday for the game slated for June 18.

The Black Stars need at least a point to confirm their qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

See photos below:

The Black Stars are currently preparing for their upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar. Their training session is scheduled for 4pm on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The team convened in camp this morning and will immediately commence their preparations for the crucial match in Antananarivo.

Hafiz Konkoni, a striker from Bechem United, received a late call-up to the squad, joining the initial list of twenty-four players which included Alexander Djiku and Inaki Williams.

However, due to injuries, Alexander Djiku and Inaki Williams have been replaced by Kassim Adams Nuhu and Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer.

All twenty-five invited players are currently in camp at the Swiss Spirits Alisa Hotels in Accra, fully committed to delivering their best performance for the upcoming encounter.

Ghana’s clash with Madagascar is scheduled to take place in Antananarivo on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Here is the complete list of the 25 invited players for the game against Madagascar:

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Joseph Wollacott (Charlton Athletic), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (KAS Eupen)

Defenders: Denis Odoi (Club Brugge), Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Patrick Kpozo (Sheriff Tiraspol), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo), Kassim Adams Nuhu (TSG Hoffenheim), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens)

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Arsenal FC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax Amsterdam), Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht), Salis Abdul Samed (Lens), Edmund Addo (Spartak Subotica)

Wingers: Joseph Painstil (Genk), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade), KamalDeen Sulemana (Southampton), Ernest Nuamah (FC Nordsjaelland)

Attackers: Andre Ayew (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer (Hamburger SV), Kwasi Okyere Wriedt (Holstein Kiel).