In the world of international football, scheduling friendly matches during FIFA international windows can be quite a logistical challenge. European teams are often occupied with UEFA Nations League fixtures, leaving African nations to seek opponents from other regions.
This led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to embark on a strategic mission to secure friendly matches against North American teams, Mexico and the United States.
The GFA’s spokesperson, Henry Asante Twum, shed light on the negotiations that led to this remarkable opportunity.
He emphasized that the primary goal was to minimize expenses for the Ghanaian national team while making the most of the international window. In a recent intrview, Twum outlined the key aspects of this strategic move.
“The two teams are taking care of everything Ghana is not spending any money this are the negotiations we did with both countries. We are preparing to play FIFA World Cup qualifiers they are also preparing to play the Gold Cup in our parlance we will say Africa Cup of Nations,” GFA spokesperson Henry Asante Twum told Peace FM.
“So when we decided to use the October international window we spoke to countries unfortunately now it is always difficult to get European teams to play with because of the Uefa Nations League they have brought. If you are an African country and in the FIFA window opportunity comes now they only possibility is either to play a South American country, an Asian team or a North American team.
“We searched and spoke to teams Mexico and US said yes once they were the host to take care of the two matches Mexico decided that yes we want to play with you in the US they will take care of transport, accommodation, feeding etc”.
The Black Stars will face Mexico on Saturday, October 14, 2023 before taking on the United States of America at the GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
Coach Chris Hughton will use the two games to assess his team ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
