Ghana Black Stars forward Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew has admitted his side are in a tough group ahead of the 2017 Africa Nations Cup finals.
The four-time champions are drawn in Group D that has seven time winners Egypt, 1972 finalists Mali as well as 1978 runners up Uganda who return to the finals in 39 years.
The West Ham attacker however believes the Black Stars are among the two favourites to lift the trophy.
“We are in a difficult group and to be honest we are among the two favourites in the tournament,” Ayew said as quoted by BBC Sport.
Ayew went on to admit how most African teams have improved and the tournament becoming harder and harder.
I think every tournament becomes harder and harder. We can see that all the teams are becoming stronger, so we need to keep our heads high and be confident and go and do our job.
Ghana will open their account in Port Gentil against familiar foes Uganda Cranes on January 17, and then take on Mali four days later before they complete their group fixtures with giants Egypt on January 25.
Ghana’s last triumph at Africa’s biggest soccer bonanza came in 1982 but have been perennial semi-finalists in the previous editions.
They lost in the finals in 1992, 2010 and the last time out at the recent 2015 edition.
