Mubarak Wakaso wants Ghanaian soccer fans to cool down their expectations on the Black Stars

Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso wants fans to measure their expectation on the Black Stars ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars go into the tournament on the back of a riveting back-to-back wins over Malawi to secure qualification.

The team has always been touted as one of the huge favourites to win the continental title but has flattered to deceive in the last 30-years.

The Espanyol ace, who is among the initial 26-man named for tournament wants fans to measure their expectation on the team but remains confident they can end a long-wait for an African crown.

“I don’t think the Nations Cup will be easy for us. We have to work hard if we want to win,” the 22-year-old told Accra-based Asempa FM

“We want the fans to support and pray for us. I am confident we can win the cup.

“We’re not going to underrate any team because if we do, it could prove disastrous for us.

“We all saw what Zambia did. Nobody have Zambia the chance to win the Nations Cup in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea, but we’re witneses to their impressive performances.

“So I don’t think we should underrate any team.

What is important for us is to work hard and keep our eyes on the ball.”

Ghana will set up a pre-Nations Cup camping base in Dubai early January after which the number will be pruned down to 23.

The Black Stars are paired against Mali, DR Congo and Niger in group B.