Chelsea ace Michael Essien has tipped the Black Stars as huge favourites to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations which begins on 21 January.
The 29-year-old believes the Black Stars� mix of veterans and new blood � a combination which saw them almost bag a place in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals � could well give them the edge. �The Ghanaian team is full of experienced tournament players mixed with hungry young players and that is a very good combination for this year�s African Cup,� he said in an interview.
�There is captain John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Sulley Muntari among many other players. �This team knows how to play at tournaments and nearly made the semi-final at the last World Cup. �They are a proper unit and play for the nation and that�s why I fancy them to make the final and probably win it.�
Essien also described teams Mali and Senegal as �surprise packages�, with the presence of experienced players in both countries threatening to upset the odds.
The midfielder is recovering from a knee injury and should be ready for action in the middle of this month.