Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams has chosen one of Morocco or Senegal to end victorious at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old, who is expected to lead the line for the Black Stars when the ball gets rolling in Ivory Coast, says he expects the Atlas Lions, who got to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, or the Teranga Lions, who are the defending African champions, to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament.
“Among those national teams with great players playing for big European teams I would say Senegal is one of the favourite teams to win,” Williams said. “But if I had to single list one of them, I would say Morocco. Because of what they did in the last World Cup.
“That base they have consolidated. With great players and a great coach. He [Walid Regragui] is making them play very good football. Those are the teams that are big strong candidates to win the title.”
The Athletic Club pacey forward also has his eyes set on helping Ghana make it past the group stage, a task that seemed too much for them to achieve in the last edition of the AFCON in Cameroon in 2021.
Williams, who will be playing in his first AFCON competition, says his and the team’s main objective is to make it to the last eight, something Ghana has failed to achieve in two consecutive editions of the tournament.
“Evidently, we didn’t make it past the group stage in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” he stated.
“So, we must pass that group stage. It’s the primary goal. It would be such a heavy blow for us if we can’t make that. It’s a short competition, and any bad day could result in the team being eliminated.
“You also need that bit of luck during key moments. But yes, we must pass the group stage and reach quarter-finals at least. That would be a fairly real and reachable goal.”
Williams found life tough while playing for the Black Stars at the World Cup in Qatar, as he was unable to find the back of the net in three group games.
However, the Spain-born forward says he and his teammates now know each other better and believes the tournament in Ivory Coast will be much better for him.
“During the [Qatar] World Cup I had barely spent ninety minutes with my teammates. They barely knew me. They didn’t know how I move on the pitch, Williams continued.
“Also, they didn’t know me personally. Nowadays they know I am here to help, to do my best, that I am a very hard working and humble person trying to help. And the team has given me a great welcome.
“I am living some of my best moments personally and in the sport. I think they will see a different Inaki Williams in the Africa Cup, at least I hope that. I am very happy and looking forward to facing it. And reaching in the tournament as far as possible,” he concluded.
Ghana are drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. They will kick off their quest for a fifth title with an opener against the Blue Sharks on January 14, before taking on the Pharaohs on January 18, and finishing with a tie against the Mambas on January 22.
