Africa Cup of Nations 2013: The Black Stars of Ghana

Much is expected of the Black Stars of Ghana

Winners: 1963, 1965, 1978 & 1982   
Runners-up: 1968, 1970, 1992 & 2010
Predicted Position: Runners-up 

Key Players: Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese), Christian Atsu (Porto), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Anthony Annan (Osasuna)

A true continental giant, the Black Stars go into the tournament under immense pressure to deliver the Cup of Nations. Their last victory was in 1982, when a young Abedi Pele scored the winning penalty against Libya. Since the victory of 1982, a plethora of talented players have unsuccessfully failed to deliver the continent's most prestigious prize. Tony Yeboah, Charles Akonnor, Samuel Kuffour, Nii Odartey Lamptey, Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari are just some of the distinguished players to have represented the Black Stars in their unsuccessful attempts to win the Nations Cup. 

Striker Asamoah Gyan has missed crucial spot-kicks for Ghana

The brilliant performance of the Black Stars at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa further increased the expectations of millions of Ghanaians. Fans were optimistic about their team's chances and expected them to deliver at the 2012 edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, taking into consideration the absence of continental giants Egypt, Cameroon and Nigeria. Such widespread expectations and optimism were replaced by shock and criticisms as the team started the tournament in a somewhat timid manner. The explosive attacking display in South Africa was replaced by a more cautious, defensive and tactical approach. The team finally got its act together in the semifinals against Zambia with an all out attacking display, but surprisingly lost 1-0 to the Zambians who went on to win the tournament. Asamoah Gyan missed yet another crucial spot kick, and Ghana paid the price once again.

James Akwesi Appiah is the current Black Stars coach

Following the disappointment of 2012, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) decided not to renew the contract of Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic, who was swiftly replaced by Ghanaian James Akwesi Appiah. There had been growing calls for a Ghanaian to be put in charge of the team, as Ghana has never won the Nations Cup with a foreign coach. Appiah has delivered the exciting attacking displays that many Ghanaians had requested, although there are still a few question marks regarding the defence and the vulnerability of goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, who is a brilliant shot-stopper,but is nonetheless prone to the odd goalkeeping error. 

Andre Ayew was dropped by Coach Appiah

The Black Stars can be regarded as a team in transition, as only eight members of the 2010 World Cup squad have been selected for this undertaking. Furthermore the team appears to have moved on from the era of Micheal Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah and others. Coach Appiah has also made some big calls regarding team selection. His decision to drop both Jordan and Andre Ayew of Olympic Marseille shocked many Ghanaians, as Andre had proved himself an asset, who was always wiling to give 100% for the cause. Ayew was dropped following a disagreement regarding his failure to report to camp while nursing an injury. 

Tipped for greatness:  New sensation Christian Atsu could set the tournament alight.. 

Appiah will be counting on his talented midfielders to fill the void left by Ayew, and in new sensation Christian Atsu, he has discovered a potential gem. The FC Porto man is being tipped by many to be the revelation of this tournament, and his trickery will cause defences problems. In addtion, the talented midfield trio of Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese), and Anthony Annan (Osasuna) will further strengthen the squad. Striker Asamoah Gyan will captain the Black Stars in South Africa, and he will be seeking redemption following his missed penalties in successive tournaments that proved extremely crucial. The Black Stars most certainly have the personnel to win the tournament, but whether they possess the requisite mental toughness remains to be seen. Appiah will be hoping to emulate his fellow countrymen Charles Gyamfi and Fred Osam-Duodu who both won the tournament as local coaches.