Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic believes his team is capable of finishing on top of Africa at the end of the Cup of Nations that will kick off on 21 January. “We were runners-up at the last Cup of Nations in Angola two years ago and a repeat of what has already been achieved is not good enough,” the Serbian tactician was quoted as saying on Ghanasoccernet.com. The four-time African champions reached the final in Angola 2010 with a squad depleted by injuries only to be denied by reigning champions Egypt. The Black Stars are hot favorites for this year's title, along with Ivory Coast, to end their 30-year drought since beating hosts Libya in the final of 1982 on penalties. “In my humble opinion, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal should reach the last four and one of them will probably play in the final. Mali are also a team to watch out for,” he added. However, the coach confirmed that his men are determined to lift the trophy and prove that they are the current power house in African football. “My players and I are motivated. All of us have spoken a lot about this African tournament and we agree Ghana are going to be champions. We are under pressure, but that is normal in football. The record of Ghana in the Cup of Nations means they will always be among the favorites and we accept that playing in the final is the least our supporters expect from us,” Stevanovic concluded. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online sports on Twitter: @AO_Sports)
