Andre Ayew believes Ghana are among two favourites to clinch "one of the toughest" Africa Cup of Nations crown in Gabon next year.
The four-time Africans are desperate to end a 34-year wait for an African crown at the continental showpiece.
The West Africans will face old foes Egypt, Uganda and Mali in group D.
And the West Ham United midfielder admits it will be "one of the toughest" in the history of the tournament but insists the Black Stars are among two favourites.
The 26-year-old was inconsolable when Ghana lost on penalties to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
"We are in a difficult group and to be honest we are among the two favourites in the tournament," Ayew said.
"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."
The Black Stars have not won the Nations Cup since 1982 but have finished as runners-up on three occasions in 1992, 2010 and 2015 when they lost on penalties to Ivory Coast.