Ghana coach fears Mali firepower at AFCON

Published on: 11 January 2012

Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic believes Ivory Coast, Senegal and dark horses Mali are the greatest threat to his team's chances of winning their first African Nations Cup since 1982.

Ghana are among the favourites for the 21 January to February 12 tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

But Serb Stevanovic, who took charge a year ago, said the failure of some of Africa's top teams to qualify meant the battle for the continental title was more competitive than ever.

"Defending champions Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa won't be there, meaning that the 16 teams which did reach the finals are very strong," Stevanovic told Belgrade's B92 television website (www.b92.net).

"In my humble opinion, Ivory Coast and Senegal should reach the last four and one of them will probably play in the final, while Mali are also a team to watch out for.

"The Malian style of play has the handwriting of their coach, former France midfielder Alain Giresse so these four teams are the cream of the crop," he said.

Ghana, who have won four titles, are in Group D alongside Botswana, Mali and Guinea. They start their campaign on 24 January against Botswana in Franceville.

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