Afriyie Acquah: Ghana Can Win 2019 AFCON

Ghanaian international and Empoli midfielder Afriyie Acquah believes the Black Stars have the ability to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt this summer.

Acquah has 29 caps to his name and was part of the Ghana squad that took part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The 27-year-old joined 1889 Hoffenheim in 2013 coming from Spanish side Palermo. He after joined a fair share of European clubs, on loan, including Parma, Samdoria, Torino and finally Empoli.

Speaking in a series of interviews he offered to Football Italia, the Sunyani-born player said that Ghana has a very talented squad capable of winning the tournament.

“Winning the AFCON is our major aim and we always discuss it among ourselves when on national duty,” Acquad said.

The Black Stars have been drawn against defending champions Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau in Group F of the June 21-July 19 tournament.

Acquah is wary of the threat posed by two minnows, Benin and Guinea-Bissau, who he believes can spring a surprise and deter Ghana’s journey for the African title which they last won in 1982.

“It’s always difficult when you play against teams like Guinea Bissau and Benin because you don’t know what they’ve got up their sleeves. But I’m confident we can qualify out of the group” he assured.

The Glentoran Football Academy product, who was overlooked by Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah in the last AFCON qualifier against Kenya at the Accra Sports Stadium, is upbeat that he will part of the team to the continental showpiece.

“Anytime I’m given the opportunity to play for my country, I give my all. But I believe the Coach knows best when it comes who deserves a call-up,” Acquah concluded.