When the Black Stars of Ghana descend on the Ohene Djan Stadium to welcome the Syli Nationale of Guinea Sunday, the topmost agenda will be to emulate the examples of Tunisia and Egypt who are the only host nations to have won their opening matches in the last decade of the Africa Cup of Nations. What could also fuel the realisation of this dream will be inspiration from the fact that the Black Stars squads of 1963 and 1978 hosted and won on the same battle ground - Ohene Djan Stadium. Speaking to Michael Essien, Laryea Kingson and Asamoah Djan at the Fiesta Royale during the week, this reporter at least got the impression that morale in camp was high and each player, when given the opportunity, could rise to the occasion. "We are here to play our hearts out for our people. The winner of each game will be determined on the pitch, therefore we will approach this game with all seriousness," Essien simply put it in an interview. But while Ghanaians, and for that matter the Black Stars, tread on the path of optimism, one thing must be at the back of all minds - that the modern trends of the game always allow for surprises,which the Syli Nationale will definitely attempt to pop in this crucial game. And if the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 opener between the Black Stars and Cameroun which ended a l-l draw is anything to go by, then the Guineans must never be underrated. This is especially when their danger man, lsmael Bangoura of Dynamo Kiev will be leading the attack. The frenzied welcome that greeted the team's arrival from their two-week trainng camp in UAE indicates the high expectations of the people, as well as the tough task ahead. A tough task in the fact hat heavyweights like the Pharoahs of Egypt, who are five time-winners, and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun, whose pedigree is same as Ghana with four titles, also have a common dream of annexing the 26th edition of the prestigious tournament. For Coach Claude Le Roy, his job description is to re-invent the magical strategy that did the trick for his AFCON 1988 success with Cameroun, and his soldiers to wage the battle are goalkeepers Richard Kingson, Sammy Adiei and Fatau Dauda, John Paintsil, Nana Kwesi Asare, Hans Adu Sarpei, John Mensah and Shilla Illiasu as options in defence. The midfield, where Ghana has its biggest strength, comprises Eric Addo, Harrison Afful, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Haminu Draman, Andre Ayew, Anthony Annan, Ahmed Barruso, Bernard Yao Kumordji while Asamoah Djan, Quincy Owusu-Abayie, Manuel 'Junior' Agogo and Kwadwo Asamoah provide options in attack. Whoever makes Coach Le Roy's starting 11 will have a mission to fulfil, and this will be to contribute significantly to a performance that will give Ghana a flying start in this tournament. Also coming into this tournament with former single championship status are South Africa, The Sudan, Morocco and Tunisia, while Nigeria have won two titles. So irrespectiVe of current strengths, each team is here with the intention of annexing the title. Stationed in Accra in Group A are hosts Ghana, Guinea, Morocco and Namibia; while Benin, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria clash with each other to survive the 'Group of Death' - Group B- in Essipon. In Kumasi, Cameroun, Egypt, The Sudan and Zambia vie for the only two tickets to the quarter finals in Group C, while upnorth in Tamale, Group D combatants, Angola, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia, match each other boot for boot. So with the stage set, the excitement at fever pitch and the countdown clock ticking to reach the "hour mark, the big queston is, who will win the cup? Source: The Mirror