Ex Ghana captain Stephen Appiah believes the best Black Stars players around have been selected for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah released his provisional 26-man squad before the Christmas Holidays without star players like Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and John Mensah.
The bookmakers have written off Ghana's title winning chances as a result.
Appiah, who captained the Black Stars at the 2006 finals in Egypt, is optimistic the current crop of players have the credentials to go far.
"Talking about team, the best players have been selected," Appiah said.
"It doesn't depend on the names because football is not about names nowadays but the determination and focus to win matches.
"2013 will be difficult for Ghana because teams like Niger and DR Congo don't have known players so they can easily cause an upset."
Ghana's will begin preparations for the tournament in Abu Dhabi on 5 January before leaving for their base in Port Elizabeth.
The Black Stars open their campaign in Group B against DR Congo on 20 January before matches against Mali and Niger.