Iñaki Williams: Does He See Ghana as AFCON Favorites?
Iñaki Williams, Athletic Club player and Ghana international, emphasized that Ghana's primary objective in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, is "at least to advance from the group stage" because failing to do so "could be considered a failure."
"Then we'll see. Ghana is one of the countries with the most titles - four, the last in 1982 - and we know that we are one of the candidates, but it's not easy. There are very powerful teams," noted the Bilbao forward. He highlighted Morocco, a semifinalist in the recent World Cup, as one of the top contenders.
"They have quality players and a coach who has made them shine in the World Cup, and they are in a moment of high confidence. Then there are Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt..., but in African football, anything could happen. Hopefully, we can perform well, and our people feel proud," he expressed.
Individually, Williams has high expectations for his national teammate Mohammed Kudus, "one of the best young talents in Africa," and also for players like Senegal's Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly or Egypt's star Mohamed Salah.
On a personal note, Iñaki stated that he feels "increasingly comfortable" with the Ghanaian team as he has become accustomed to African football, describing it as "very disorderly, with many arrivals and back-and-forth."
"I thought chaotic football was a rumor, but it is true. I like it because there are many more spaces for forwards. It took me a while to find my way, but gradually, I have been achieving it and have found my place," confessed Williams, also liberated by scoring his first goal with the 'Black Stars.'