Black Stars arrive in Egypt

Players and officials of Ghana’s Black Stars arrived in Cairo yesterday for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicked off at the Cairo International Stadium last night.

The Ghanaian team flew to the Egyptian capital from Dubai, where the team had set up a training camp for the past two weeks preparing for the continental showpiece.

The captain of the team, André Ayew, received a welcoming plaque from officials of the Local Organising Committee who were at the Cairo International Airport to welcome the team.

Also present was Ghana’s Ambassador to Egypt, Dr Nii Okai Hammond.

The Black Stars later travelled to Ismailia, where the team will play two group matches against Benin and Cameroun.

 Kwasi Appiah’s side will open their campaign with a Group F clash against Benin on Tuesday, June 25 before playing their second group game against Cameroun on June 29.

Their last group clash against Guinea-Bissau will take place on July 2 at the Suez Army Stadium.

Also, the technical handlers of the team have released the jersey numbers of the 23 players.

The general captain, Asamoah Gyan, and some of the notable players have maintained their noted jersey numbers, while the new entrants have also chosen their prefered shirt numbers.

Defender Baba Rahman will wear jersey number 17, Christian Atsu has No. 7, Jordan Ayew gets No. 9 and midfielder Afriyie Acquah has No. 6.

Debutant Thomas Agyapong, Kassim Nuhu, Joseph Aidoo have been handed jersey numbers 3, 15 and 18, respectively.

Other AFCON 2019 first-timers, namely Felix Annan, will wear No. 16, while Lawrence Ati Zigi (No. 12), Joseph Attamah Laweh (No. 2), Caleb Ekuban (No. 13) and Samuel Owusu (No. 19).