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ABUJA. – The Black Stars of Ghana will again be one of the favourites for the African Cup of Nations as they aim to clinch a fifth title after their last triumph 35 years ago. Ghana are one of the most successful teams in the continent’s football showpiece having won it in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.However, they have since fallen short, being beaten in the championship games for the 2010 and 2015 editions and reaching the semi-finals in 2012 and 2013.

In 1982, oil-rich Libya paid for cash-strapped Ghana to attend the tournament with the Black Stars inspired by youngster Abedi Pele Ayew eventually edging past their hosts in the final.

It was therefore understandable when Ayew’s son Andre will weep uncontrollably after Ghana fell on penalties in the championship game in Equatorial Guinea 33 years later.

The signs are again good they will enjoy another fine run in Gabon after they qualified unbeaten in a group that included Mozambique, Rwanda and Mauritius. – AFP