Ghana coach optimistic of winning AFCON 2013

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is positive his charges can easily go pass the group stages of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group B with DR Congo, Niger and Mali for the group phase at the Nations Cup following Wednesday's draw in Durban.

Appiah's men will be hoping to end the 31-year trophy drought in January when the continental showpiece kicks off.

"It's not going to be easy, and I don't also believe in the Mali is strong talks, both Niger and Congo are good sides but for me I believe we will go through," the coach told Goal.com Ghana.

Black Stars will open their campaign at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations against DR Congo on January 20, a team which is handled by former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy, who guided the four-time African champions to bronze at the 2008 continental flagship on home soil. Appiah insists the Frenchman's meeting will have no influence on his team.

"I think he knows our style of play because a few of the players he coached are in this squad, but over the years the team has also changed with the addition of young talents and our style of play has changed so it will be a different team and I know it is going to be a nice game to watch," he added.

Ghana will take on Mali on January 24 before rounding up their group campaign against Niger on January 28.