Ghana's challenge for the CHAN title begins in South Africa on Monday with an opening fixture against Congo in Blomfontein.

First round causalities in the previous competition, Ghana, who won silver in the maiden tournament in 2009 will be seeking to make amends as they make their third-straight appearance at the competition reserved for only home-based players of member nations.

Maxwell Konadu, coach of Ghana's home-based team is counting on his side's near-perfect preparations to aid their ambitions.

"We have prepared well and I hope the players maintain their focus and stick to the plan," the Ghana coach said in the run-up to the tournament.

"I hope it goes well and we make a positive impact."

Having included in his team for the tournament, the three top scorers from the Premier League, Konadu is counting on Seidu Bancey, Sulley Mohammed and Samuel Afful to reproduce their domestic form on the international stage, beginning with Congo in Group C.

The group also includes Libya and Ethiopia for the tournament which will end on February 1, 2014.