Much is expected from Ghana's home-based team as they ready to compete at the African Nations Championship - CHAN, in South Africa.

Of the 16 nations taking part, Ghana, losing finalists in the maiden edition are one the three veterans of the competition.

Ghana, Zimbabwe and DR Congo remain the only sides to have qualified for every edition of the tournament [3rd edition] reserved for only home-based players of member nations.

As coach Maxwell Konadu prepares his side to kick off in Group C against Congo on Monday, Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi remains optimistic about their chances.

"The challenge is build for the future and ready them for the main senior team but we can also compete against the best on the continent," Nyantakyi said.

"I am very confident that we can do better than we did the last time round. I have enough confidence in the coach - Maxwell Konadu - and his team.

"But we should expect stiff competition from the other sides."

Ghana are also paired in the same group with Libya and Ethiopia in Mangaung and will play their games at the Free State Stadium.

The 16-nation tournament will kick-off on 11 January and finish on 1 February 2014.