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
-
Two suspects arrested in coordinated robbery attacks at Nkasiem
2 minutes -
Eno Tiwaa of Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo dies
4 minutes -
Amedzofe Canopy Walkway temporarily closed after structural incident
7 minutes -
Dr Ibn Chambas calls for Africans to ‘defend their dignity’
26 minutes -
Let’s treat persons with disabilities right – GHS staff  urged
58 minutes -
Soldiers in Benin say they have seized power from President Talon
1 hour -
Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory
1 hour -
Soldiers on Benin’s national television claim to have seized power
2 hours -
Premier Tennis Club organizes Tema Farmers’ Day Tournament
2 hours -
Liberia, South Africa ex-First Ladies attend Lordina Foundation’s 5th health screening for retired ministers
2 hours -
KGL Foundation partners Premier Tennis club to celebrate Farmers’ Day
2 hours -
Adrobaa crowned winners as Milo U13 Championship makes grand return
3 hours -
NAIMOS seizes excavators and shuts down illegal Riverbank mining in Eastern Region
4 hours -
NAIMOS dismantles illegal foreign mining network along the Bia River
5 hours -
Zelensky signals progress in talks with US on peace plan
6 hours
