Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevi has backed his side and Ghana to qualify from group D ahead of Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The Cranes are making a return to the continent’s flagship competition for the first time in 38 years and their manager is confident of causing a major upset but has also backed Black Stars to sail through.

Both teams will seek to negotiate their way through to the next round as they find themselves in a tough group, comprising 2018 World Cup opponents and seven-time champions Egypt and Mali.

"You know it's going to be tough but Uganda and Ghana will go through," he told Accra-based Happy FM

"We have a lot of respect for our opponents but we're confident of our chances.’’

"Ghana has done well in the past five editions of the tournament and are hungry to win the title with their new squad. ‘’

"I have a lot of respect for my colleagues Avram Grant and Maxwell Konadu and I hope the two countries will qualify.

Black Stars opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a disappointing draw in Tamale against Uganda and will kickoff Cup of Nations campaign next year against Uganda.

The Black Stars will share the same hotel in Port Gentil with Uganda