The local Black Stars now christened Black Galaxies will play against Benin in the preliminary round of the 2023 CHAN tournament.

Ghana has not been present at the last three editions of the tournament with Burkina Faso being a thorn in the flesh of the local side on two occasions.

The Black Galaxies will host Benin this weekend at the Cape Coast Stadium in the first leg game and the communication director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum is confident that the team will end the long hiatus.

The team has been very impressive in their preparatory matches winning all of them against lower tier sides and will be hoping to translate their impressive form into the qualifiers.

“Over the years, the local Black Stars, which is now the Black Galaxies have struggled to qualify for the CHAN but it is possible this time around,” he said on Asempa FM.

“If you look at the work Annor Walker, Prosper Narteh Ogum, and Bismark Kobby Mensah have done it tells you there is much confidence among the playing body.

“We are playing Benin and I am confident we will beat them. Some players have left the shores of the country that would have made the team strong but in all, it is a team in place and with the preparations they have had, they will surely win.

“We will play Nigeria in the next round if we can win against Benin, which is possible. I am convinced we qualify for the CHAN this time around,” he added.

The CHAN tournament will be held in Algeria next year with the winner of the Ghana vs Benin tie meeting Nigeria for a place in the tournament.