Audio By Carbonatix
Black Stars coach Claude Le Roy has says Ghana as hosts of the 2008 Nations Cup have every chance of winning their fifth Africa title next year.
Ghana is one of the favourites, having been the only side from the continent to reach the second round of last year's World Cup.
Since the finals in Germany, Ghana have beaten Togo, Japan, South Korea and Nigeria in friendly internationals, raising hopes the Black Stars will win their first title since 1982.
"We have to win because if we don't, they will kill me," the Frenchman - half-smiling, half-serious, told BBC Sport.
"We know that Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast and maybe Mali have a lot of quality and huge potential.
"As hosts, we want to be at the top of the tournament and we know it will be very difficult - but we have the potential to win the Nations Cup next year.
"The players, the management and the entire country are behind us and they are trying to do everything to make us win."
As part on their Nations Cup build-up, Le Roy invited five debutantes for Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Brazil in a friendly in Stockholm.
The Black Stars were missing key players such as Captain Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien.
Midfielders Anthony Annan, Bernard Yao Kumordzi, Michael Helegbe and defender Alfred Arthur were promoted from the country's Olympic team, with Ekow Benson coming from the under-17 side.
Le Roy says many of the youngsters will feature prominently his future plans.
"I am very happy with their performances, especially Anthony Annan and Bernard Kumordzi, but all the players showed they are ready to play for the national team," Le Roy said.
"I am confident they will have a lot of playing time with the national team in future.
"With the quality they have shown, I think they will be very important to the future of the Black Stars."
Ghana are trying to line up possible friendlies against Switzerland and Mexico as they continue their preparations towards next January's Nations Cup.
Credit: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ngah brace fires Cameroon to historic first WAFCON crown with dominant Malawi victory
2 hours -
Ariana Grande leaves problems at home as her tour hits the UK
2 hours -
‘Ghana was the crime scene’ – the country leading the demand for slavery reparations
2 hours -
Court dismisses Nana Kwame Bediako’s fresh bid to halt $14.9m judgment
2 hours -
Air India pilot’s reported cannabis test: What it can and can’t tell investigators
2 hours -
France’s top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
2 hours -
Fery wins on return as Djokovic reveals health condition after loss
2 hours -
‘Probably my last year’ – Ronaldo hints at retirement
3 hours -
Arsenal cruise to Community Shield win against disappearing Man City
3 hours -
Barcelona agree ÂŁ65m deal to sign Rodri from Man City
3 hours -
UHAS halts semester exams over administrative, logistical issues
4 hours -
ECG announces planned maintenance outages in parts of Ashanti Region
4 hours -
Sexual harassment has no place in educational institutions – Education Ministry
4 hours -
The growing culture of vacation classes in Ghana: Should students rest or continue schoolwork?
5 hours -
E.P. Church secures radio frequency, prepares to launch Bremen Radio
6 hours