Captain Asamoah Gyan is confident that Ghana's youthful players can exceed expectations at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations which starts in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.

The Black Stars, four-time champions are chasing a fifth title since their last success in 1982.

Gyan came close to leading Ghana to the title in 2010 when a squad dominated by debutants were pipped by Egypt in the final of the Nations Cup in Angola.

Ghana have made it to the semi-finals of the tournament in the last four editions and will be eager not to lower the standards in 2015.

"I think so (exceeding expectations at the 2015 Africa Cup). We have done it before – we did it in Angola (in 2010),” Gyan said of Ghana’s chances.

“I remember that time (2010 tournament) 80 or 85 percent of the players were from the U20 team and there was no hope. But we were able to get to the final, we came very close and lost in the final.

“This time also there are a lot of young players in the team."

Paired with Algeria, Senegal and South Africa in Group C, Gyan is not anticipating an easy walkover for Avram Grant's side.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we will go there and do the right thing and then qualify from the group stage and then think about maybe winning the cup or something.”

He added: “For us the players, it is always on our mind that we should do something before the next generation.

“We want to break the jinx (of not winning the tournament since 1982). That is what Ghanaians want and it is something we the players also want.”

Ghana will open their group campaign against Senegal on Monday in Mongomo.