Head coach of the Angolan national team  Pedro Goncalves says that the Black Stars of Ghana are the favourites to qualify from group E for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Ghana has been placed in group E alongside Angola, Madagascar and Central African Republic for a place at the biennial tournament.

The Black Stars of Ghana have in the last few weeks endured a topsy turvy spell as they failed miserably at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

Ghana finished bottom of a group containing Morocco, Gabon and Comoros Island as they exited at the group stages of the tournament without a win.

But they put that aside as they defeated Nigeria in a two legged tie to clinch a ticket at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The coach of the Palancas Negras admits that his side may have to fight for the second slot in the group as Ghana will automatically pick the first slot.

“Ghana is a very powerful national team in Africa; one of the five teams representing Africa at the World Cup. So sure, they are favorites.

“I believe between Angola, Madagascar and Central African Republic, it will be a big fight but I believe we will make it,” he said.

Ghana will open their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers with a home tie against Madagascar.

Match Days 1 and 2 are scheduled for May 30-June14, 2022, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Two qualifying matches will be played between May and June, with Match Days 3 and 4 scheduled for September 19–27, 2022.

The final round of matches has been scheduled for March 20-28, 2023.

The top two teams from each Group, including hosts Ivory Coast, will compete in the biennial tournament, which will take place from June 23 to July 23, 2023.