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The Black Stars skipper believes Ghanaians would rather see the team lift the continental diadem after 34 years than qualify for a fourth straight global showpiece.

 Captain Asamoah Gyan says he would prefer leading Ghana to glory at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to booking a place at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.

The Black Stars are still chasing their first continental title in 34 years, having endured a series of disappointments in recent tournaments, including defeats to Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire in the finals of the 2010 and 2015 editions respectively.

The West African team, however, have made it to the semi-finals of the last five Afcon tournaments.

“If you look at what Ghanaians desire at the moment, it’s the Africa Cup of Nations because it’s been long since we won it,” Gyan told HappyFM.

“I would pick winning the Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of the World Cup qualification if I am presented with choosing from of the two.

“Both will be competitive but I will prefer to have us win the Afcon, although I must admit the World Cup qualification is also important.

“But I must also admit that we are targeting both, knowing very well that it would not be easy.”

The Black Stars are currently in pole position to confirm their place at the 2017 Afcon which comes off between January 14 and February 5 in Gabon, having taken a four-point lead in Group H after four rounds of games.

Ghana have qualified for the last three World Cup tournaments, reaching the quarter-final of the 2010 edition in South Africa.

The last appearance at the 2014 event in Brazil, however, ended in a first round exit.