Former Ghana winger, Christian Atsu believes the Black Stars have what it takes to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].
The Black Stars having lost to Algeria in a pre-AFCON friendly on Wednesday, Ghanaians have raised concerns about the quality of the team.
The former Newcastle player will not be in Cameroon, missing out on the Nations Cup for the first time since 2013.
In his absence, Milovan Rajevac has named a 28-man squad made up of 50% of players who will be experiencing the tournament for the first time.
But Atsu has been monitoring the team from his base in Saudi Arabia and thinks Ghana have a strong team to emerge winners for the first time since 1982.
“We have a very strong team; people don’t realise it,” Atsu told 3news.com.
“We have young players but some people are complaining about their lack of experience. I am surprised people are still complaining about young players because for me, it doesn’t matter whether you are young or old it is all about what you can do on the pitch.
“As a young player, when you are given the opportunity, you must do your best else you won’t get a second chance unless you are lucky.”
Atsu added, “We have a very good team, we have to support the team, and we have to expect a lot from them.
“I heard someone saying we shouldn’t expect a lot from these players but what are they going to do in the tournament? They have to go and win.”
Atsu hasn’t been on top form recently, hence his exclusion didn’t come as a surprise. However, his exceptional display at AFCON 2015 as the Black Stars reached the finals and lost painfully to Ivory Coast remains fresh in the minds of Ghanaians.
Atsu was adjudged Player of the tournament, won the best goal for his wonder strike against Guinea and was featured in the team of the tournament.
Ghana’s first match is against Morocco on Monday, January 10 before taking on Gabon and Comoros respectively.
Source: Modern Ghana
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