Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has described as “quite frustrating” the country’s failings in winning another Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title in recent years.
The former Black Stars captain has been involved in 7 Afcon outings since 2008 with the senior national team coming so close to the title in most times yet return home empty-handed.
Gyan was part of a select African legend comprising Rabah Madjer of Algeria, former Cote d’Ivoire captain, Didier Drogba, and Cameroon’s iconic footballer, Samuel Eto’o during the conduct of the live draw for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Yaoundé, Cameroon Tuesday night.
Ghana – who have not won the continental showpiece since their fourth time in 1982 – will have another go at the Cameroon 2021 edition battling in Group C with Morocco, Gabon and debutants Comoros.
Reacting to the draw, Gyan said:
“It’s been quite frustrating because, since 2008, our worst has been the semifinal.
“We’ve always been coming closer to the title but not getting it.
“I think everyone back home wants the cup. It doesn’t matter about the performance, it’s about the cup and that’s what we are preparing for.”
“We have to make sure we qualify from the group before we can think about winning the cup,” the 35-year-old added.
Ghana will open their campaign against Morocco, a side that conceded just a one-goal during the qualifiers before facing Gabon and Comoros.
Black Stars schedule – Group C:
Monday – Jan. 10 – Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Morocco vs Ghana – 16:00 GMT
Comoros vs Gabon – 19:00 GMT
Friday – Jan. 14 – Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Morocco vs Gabon – 16:00 GMT
Gabon vs Ghana – 19:00 GMT
Tuesday – Jan 18
Gabon vs Morocco – 19:00 GMT – Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Ghana vs Comoros – 19:00 GMT – Roumde Adjia Stadium
Knockout round dates:
Round of 16 – January 23 and 26
Quarterfinals – January 29 and 30
Semifinals – February 2 and 3
Third place and final – February 6