Former Ghana international goalkeeper Richard Kingson believes that the Black Stars will be crowned champions of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Wigan Athletic shot-stopper is adamant that Avram Grant's charges can clinch their first AFCON trophy since the Black Stars' triumph in 1982, when they defeated Libya on penalties to secure their fourth AFCON title.

"I tip Ghana to win the next Cup of Nations," he told Success FM.

"They have a good team with a lot of experience. But they should start playing important friendly matches just like the one against Russia this week to adequately prepare them for the tournament.

"This is the time that the Black Stars have a better opportunity to win the title since they last did in 1982, but it will only happen if the leaders plan well and resolve every friction."

Ghana narrowly went down 1-0 to Russia in an international friendly played at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow on Tuesday, and Kingson has urged the country's governing bodies to settle their differences to ensure the Black Stars have no distractions.

"The youth and sports ministry as well as Ghana FA should sit down to solve all their differences since unity is key to success," added the former Black Stars goalkeeper.

"Mark it down that should the leaders come together before the AFCON in January, none of the 15 other countries will be a match for Ghana," he concluded.

The country's football association has been embroiled in a dispute with the Sports Ministry, which could be detrimental to the country's preparations for next year's AFCON tournament in Gabon.

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