Ghana will kick off the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations as the relentless pursuit of the host’s fifth title dream begins with an opening game against Guinea.
With two CAN titles already won on home soil, the quest for a fifth continues for the Black Stars having gone 26 without winning the tournament.
Ghana, managed by the experienced Claude Le Roy, who enters his sixth African Cup of Nations tournament – a new record for the competition – is the man who has the job of plotting a good start to the competition as the title dream begins against Robert Nouzaret’s Syli Nationale.
Le Roy, will record his 23rd match at the CAN as coach today, is already a Nations Cup winner with Cameroon in 1988 but is aware of the pressures that come in the run up to the opening game as his primary objective will be to ensure success for the host nation.
”It's normal pressure. I have been to six Nations Cup finals now and that's how it is. But it is also a huge pleasure.
“I've told my players that millions dream to compete in a major championship like this but few get the chance. They must go out and enjoy and live the experience. They are privileged to have the opportunity.”
Ghana are without captain Stephen Appiah due to injury, but the French coach says he has a lot of possibilities as he attempts to find the balance in the midfielders absence.
"I'm fortunate, I've a lot of players who can bring something to the team. I've a lot of possibilities."
While Le Roy is trying to spark the Black Stars to victory, he is confronted by an opposition who have seen their profile rise in recent times having made it to the quarter finals in the last two editions of the tournament.
“They have the potential to be African champions. They have an excellent squad with a lot of offensive players who are very skilful, like (Pascal) Feindouno, Fode Mansare, Ibrahima Bangoura. They are very, very talented.
“We are aware that it will be very difficult task against them.
“That's why I think if we have three points at the end of the first day, we will be ready for the games that follow.
“We really need to achieve something in the opening game.”
Guinea, also coached by a Frenchman, Robert Nouzaret, are hopeful of going a step better than they did at the 2006 finals where they went out in the last eight stage through penalties.
“We are sure of the quality of Ghana’s team but we will not have come here if we were unsure of our chances,” Robert Nouzaret says ahead of the game on Sunday.
“Ghana is ahead and their quality is pure,” the Guinea coach says as he hopes to help his team reach the semi-finals.