By Ameenu Shardow
The absence of heavyweights in next year's Africa Cup of Nations will be sorely missed according to Ghana FA President Kwasi Nyantakyi.
Defending champions, Egypt alongside former winners Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa failed to qualify for the tournament which will be jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
And this Nyantakyi says without doubt will take some shine away from the competition.
"The absence of Egypt, Cameroon Nigeria and South Africa who are all former winners of this championship will certainly take some excitement from the tournament," he said.
"These teams always come to the Afcon with large following, Cameroon for instance are very close to Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria as well.
"So definitely we will be missing the excitement and some heat associated with the Nations Cup."
The demise of the African big wigs puts Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire as overwhelming favourites for next year's tourney.