By Ameenu Shardow
Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu insists winning the Africa Cup of Nations next year is not as clear cut as many believe.
The Black Stars have emerged overwhelming favourites alongside Cote d"Ivoire following the failure of fellow powerhouses; Egypt (the reigning champions), Nigeria and Cameroon to qualify for the finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
However, the Udinese midfield enforcer maintains winning the African Cup will still be a difficult task despite the deficit in big names.
"It is too early to start saying we will win, that we are favorites," he told KickOffGhana.
"A lot of things can happen between now and January next year when the competition begins.
"The fact that so many big names are not there won't make it any easier. We will have to work very, very hard for it."
Badu who has been in terrific form for both club and country is full of thanks for landing a regular run in the Black Stars starting line-up amongst an array of top class midfielders.
"I am delighted to be playing regularly for Ghana," he says.
"It is a huge honour, especially when you consider the quality of midfielders we have in our side."