Nyantakyi: Ghana is ahead of Malawi on paper

Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi says the Black Stars are favourites to qualify for the 2013 Nations Cup after Ghana drew Malawi for the final round qualifier.

The Black Stars will host the first leg tie at home against the Flames, two-time finalists on 9 September with the return game scheduled for the weekend of 12-14 October.

The winner will join 14 other countries from the qualifiers and hosts South Africa for the finals which begins on January 19, 2013.

Kwasi Nyantakyi who was at the draw in Johannesburg is predicting a 19th Nations Cup finals appearance.

“On paper, Ghana is streets ahead of Malawi. We have tremendous experience in this competition,” .He told JOY Sports.

“We have a lot of achievements on our side, the benefit of history and pedigree.

“But it is very important for us to be cautiously optimistic because you can be surprised if you underrate your opponent.”

Ghana finished fourth at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and is chasing a fifth Nations cup title.