Rajevac tasks Black Stars to deliver

Milovan Rajevac has challenged his players to make the most of the opportunity at hand as they represent Ghana at the African Nations Championship.

The first Caf African Nations Championship tournament kicks off on Sunday in Ivory Coast and the two-week gathering of eight countries is restricted to footballers who play in their country of birth.

Hosts, Ivory Coast play in the opening match on Sunday afternoon at a renovated Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium against Senegal followed three hours later by Tanzania and Senegal at the same venue.

The Serbian coach together with his backroom staff arrived with a 23-member playing squad in Bouake on Friday ahead of the start of the tournament.

Rajavac has no injury worries ahead of Ghana's opening Group B game on Monday against Zimbabwe.

African Football Confederation (Caf) President Issa Hayatou says the latest addition to the continental calendar is designed to showcase the abilities of stars who stay at home, and boost national leagues.

But for Rajevac, the selected players have to relish the challenge.

“I am satisfied with the effort and behaviour of the players. That was our goal and I think they have shown good qualities,” the Ghana coach said.

“They (players) know what is expected. They must be proud to put on the jersey.”

Also paired with Ghana and Zimbabwe in Group B are DR Congo and Libya, one of the strongest sides in the tournament.

Ghana squad :
Goalkeepers : Philemon McCarthy, Daniel Adjei and Ernest Sowah

Defenders : Samuel Inkoom, Ofosu Appiah, Michael Osei Bonsu, Iddrisu Yahaya, Harrison Afful, Isaac Owusu and Mohammed Habib

Midfielders : Jordan Opoku, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Francis Coffie, Daniel Yeboah, Edmund Owusu-Ansah, Sam Ayew Yeboah, Rahim Ayew,Charles Asampong Taylor and Ebo Andoh

Strikers : Kwadwo Poku, Yaw Antwi, Francis Mantey and Stephen Manu