Black Stars midfielder Christian Atsu has spoken of the team’s burning desire to end Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations long trophy drought at the Egypt 2019 finals.
Ghana are four-time winners of the Afcon but last did so in 1982.
The closest the Black Stars have come to annexing the trophy in recent years has been two final failures at the 2010 and 2015 editions where Ghana lost to Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire respectively. Ghana have been serial semi-finalists in the last six Afcon tournaments.
Atsu, 27, says the current crop of Black Stars feel frustrated by their trophy failures and are keen to put smiles on the faces of their fans.
“The trophy is always our target. We understand the frustrations the Black Stars have taken Ghanaians through. This time we would surely bring the trophy to Ghana” the Newcastle winger told GNA Sports.
“I believe this time, we will make Ghanaians happy and we want them to support the team because the players are also frustrated that this generation has not won anything for the country. The fans have done enough to deserve a trophy so this AFCON is for them,” Atsu added.
Ghana are housed in Group F of the 32nd Afcon and will open their campaign against Benin on June 25. They then face Cameroon four days later and complete their group games against Guinea-Bissau on July 2.
The Black Stars will be heading for the United Arab Emirates for a pre-tournament training camp on Saturday, June 1.
