AFCON 2019: Coach David Duncan Backs Black Stars To End Trophy Drought In Egypt

Former Asante Kotoko gaffer, David Duncan is optimistic Ghana can win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation despite the increase in the number of participating teams.

Since 1982 in Libya, Ghana have failed to lift any major silverware and are seeking to break a 37-year jinx by winning the Afcon title.

Originally 16 teams participated at the competition, however, as part of Caf’s new reforms, the tournament which is scheduled to kickoff between June 15 and July 13 in Egypt will welcome 24 teams for the first time.

The African football powerhouse have endured a series of near misses since their last success, reaching the semi-finals of the last six tournaments and the final in 2010 and 2015.

“There’s nothing logical to suggest that the higher the number, the more difficult it's going to be," Duncan, former coach of local giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, told Ghanaweb.

“For me, I think basically it's all about preparation.

"Preparation gives you the urge, it necessarily won’t make you win it but at least it gives you an urge to win it.

He continued, “When Ghana entered the competition in 1963, we had just four teams but we entered and won it.

"So who knows? It might be a good omen that anytime the number is increased, Ghana is able to galvanize itself to win it.”

Ghana has won the Afcon on four occasions - in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.