With the countdown to the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 well underway, the Ghana national beach soccer team is gearing up for a competitive return to the continental stage.
Coach Daniel Neequaye Kotey, who is leading the team’s preparations, recently shared his thoughts exclusively with CAFOnline.com ahead of Ghana’s opening match against hosts Egypt. Ghana are placed in Group A, at alongside Egypt, Morocco and tournament debutants Tanzania, and are aiming to secure a ticket to the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles. Speaking with confidence, Coach Kotey highlighted the team’s preparation, the solidity of their tactical approach and the unity within the group.
The team, which last participated in the tournament in 2016, is training rigorously and is determined to make Ghana proud. In this exclusive interview, Coach Kotey talks about his team’s preparations, their chances in the competition and the key players to watch.
Coach Kotey, how do you assess Ghana’s chances in this tournament and how has the team prepared?
First of all, I would like to thank Ghanaians. Our preparations began in Keta, Ghana, two weeks before our arrival here. We have trained well and we are not afraid of any team in the tournament because we have already played against some of them. We know them, and last year we played well, so we’re confident. We continue to prepare here in Egypt and we are ready for the upcoming matches.
What are your expectations for the tournament?
Even though I have new players in the team, we also have around four experienced players. They have learned more tactical skills and are very disciplined. There is a strong understanding between them and I believe that will make the difference. This time around, I have no concerns about the goalkeeper; we are ready.
Do you feel any pressure playing against Egypt, especially as they are the hosts of the tournament?
No, there is no pressure on me or my team. We have faced Egypt before and we even beat them in Accra. This is not the first time we have met them. Although they are playing at home, I told the boys to stay calm because we don’t feel any pressure. We are here to surprise them.
What can you say about the team’s tactical preparations?
We focused a lot on discipline and tactics. We are preparing match by match, starting with Egypt, then we will move on to Morocco. We also played against Morocco in Seychelles, so we know their style of play. We are not afraid of any team.
How do you assess the strength of your group, which includes Egypt, Morocco and Tanzania?
Our group is very competitive. We have Egypt and Morocco, who are both strong teams, and Tanzania are new, but we are watching their matches closely. People might underestimate Ghana, but we will surprise them. We are confident and ready for this challenge.
Which players should Ghanaians and fans watch out for during the tournament?
Our goalkeeper Robert and the Ahorlu players, who all played a part in our victory against Egypt, will be crucial. These players are ready and waiting to make a difference. We have a strong team that Ghanaians should be proud of.
What is your main goal for this tournament?
Our main goal is to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. We are moving step by step, but that is our goal. We need the support of Ghanaians, and I am confident we can do it.
What advantages do you think your team has going into this tournament?
Our substitutes are solid and we have a well-balanced team. The players showed great discipline and understanding. We believe in our game plan, and that gives us confidence for the future.
How did the team adapt to the conditions in Egypt?
We have been training here for two days, and the terrain and sand are different from what we have in Ghana. But it is an advantage for us, because it allows us to run faster. We are adapting well and we feel ready.
What is your message to Ghanaians, especially those who might doubt the team’s chances?
I want to assure Ghanaians that we are prepared and ready for this tournament. We are here to win for our motherland Ghana and we need their support. We invite all Ghanaians in Egypt to come and encourage us. We will make you proud.
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