Ghana’s Black Stars will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 preparations by assembling in Johannesburg next week.

The four-time champions will meet on December 31st to begin a 10-day camp in South Africa ahead of next month’s finals in Cote d’Ivoire, the Ghana FA has announced. Ghana face a solitary warm-up friendly against Botswana on January 8 before travelling to Abidjan two days later.

Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton confirmed training sessions at the Johannesburg camp will be closed to the media and public.Hughton’s side have been drawn in a tricky Group B alongside giants Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique. They open their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14 in a rematch of their World Cup playoff earlier this year.

Ghana then take on record seven-time Afcon winners Egypt on January 18th in a titanic clash between two of the continent’s heavyweights.

The Black Stars conclude their group matches versus Mozambique on January 22. Hughton is expected to name a strong squad including the likes of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.

Captain Andre Ayew will lead the squad as he looks to inspire Ghana to a first Afcon triumph since 1982.With a total of four titles, Ghana are seeking to close the gap on Egypt and Cameroon’s record tally of five AFCON wins.