Head coach of the Ghana Amputee Football Team Stephen Richard Obeng expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s ability to secure a third continental championship at the upcoming African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) 2024 in Egypt.
On Friday, the Black Challenge officially began their 12-day training camp ahead of the tournament, which begins on April 19, with 18 players including 8 who joined from Turkey.
Speaking at a ceremony to outdoor the team to the public, Coach Obeng said his men has what it takes to cement their status as the dominant force in African amputee football.
“We are ready to make history by winning the AAFCON trophy for the third time, which would mean we get to keep it,” declared Obeng.
“We need to win this tournament to cement our status as a dominant force in African amputee football
“This team has the talent, experience and determination to achieve that goal, but we still need more support from the government and corporate Ghana to maximize our chances.”
The Ghana Amputee Football Team are the two-time and reigning champions of the prestigious AAFCON competition, having won the title in 2020 and 2022.
They will be looking to make it a historic three-peat when the tournament kicks off in two weeks time.
Obeng’s squad officially commenced their 12-day training camp on Friday, April 5th, with the team receiving a boost from leading Ghanaian beverage company Twillium Industrial Company.
Twillium presented the players with a package of hydration products including Verna Water and Rush Energy Drink to fuel their preparations.
“This support from Twillium is extremely valuable as we ramp up our training and get ready for the tournament in Egypt,” said Obeng.
“But we still need more backing, both financial and moral, from the government and other corporate partners if we are to have the best shot at retaining our title.”
The coach pointed out that 8 of the 18 players in his squad have joined from Turkey, underscoring the growing international appeal and competitiveness of amputee football.
“We have assembled a truly talented group of players, some of whom have international experience from competing in Turkey,” Obeng explained.
“This will be crucial as we look to navigate a challenging field of teams from across Africa who will all be gunning to knock us off our perch.”
Ghana is widely tipped as one of the favorites to lift the AAFCON trophy once again, given their recent dominance. But Obeng insisted his team cannot afford to be complacent.
With the team now fully immersed in their pre-tournament training camp, Obeng issued a rallying call for increased support from both the government and the Ghanaian corporate sector.
“Yes, we are the defending champions, but that just adds to the target on our backs,” he said.
“Every other team will be desperate to beat the champions, so we have to be at our absolute best from the opening whistle in Egypt.
“We need all hands on deck. I’m confident we can win the AAFCON trophy for the third time, but we must have the backing to make it happen.”
