Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has confirmed to Joy Sports the provisional squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will be released on May 20.

The team will head to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates for a training camp before the official 23-man squad for the tournament is submitted to CAF.

According to Tanko, they will put together the best of players to achieve Ghana’s aim of winning the tournament in Egypt.

“Ghanaians should expect a team that can help us achieve our goal at the AFCON,” Tanko said, adding that, “I think there is going to be one or two surprises, of course, like any time.”

Asked if there will be a place for local-based players in the squad, Tanko responded: “probably yes”

He also confirmed that the  Black Stars will play two friendly games but did not mention the teams.

Ghana will be hoping to end a 37-year wait for Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Egypt.

They have been drawn in Group F alongside champions Cameroon, Benin and Guinea Bissau.

Ghana will be based in Ismailia and will begin their tournament against Benin on Monday, 25 June.

They will then face Cameroon on 29 June before playing Guinea-Bissau four days later. 

The tournament takes place in six stadiums across Egypt between 21 June and 19 July.

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