The Black Stars will
leave no stone unturned in their quest to win a fifth continental title, their
coach has stated.
Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah says his outfit will not underestimate any team at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after the Black Stars drew what has been described by many as an “easy group.”
The four-time
champions found themselves in Group F after Friday’s draw, joining up with
five-time champions and holders Cameroon as well as Benin and
Guinea-Bissau, who will be playing at the tournament for the fourth and second
times respectively.
“We thank God in
all things. Our group is better than others but we need to start preparations
now because all the 24 teams [participating in the tournament] are good,”
Appiah told Graphic Sports.
“As compared to
the other groups like [that of] Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire, our group is
not bad.
“But every
country that has qualified is good and cannot be underrated.
“As I always say,
football has developed now, so you can’t take any team for granted. You always
have to prepare well to ensure good results.
“We have to take
it one game at a time. But I believe Ghana will do well if everybody plays his
role very well.”
Ghana will open their
campaign against Benin on June 25, four days before facing Cameroon, whom they
lost to in the semi-final of the last championship.
The Black Stars’ last
game will be against Guinea-Bissau on July 2.
Appiah’s outfit, who
have been to the semi-final of the last six tournaments, are seeking to win the
trophy for the first time since 1982.
Source: goal.com