Acheampong positive about Ghana's 2017 Afcon chances

Anderlecht winger Frank Acheampong is the latest to speak on Ghana's desire to win the Africa Cup of Nations after 34 years.

The Black Stars have endured a series of near misses since their last Afcon title won in Libya in 1982, making it to the semi-finals of the last five editions, including final appearances in 2010 and 2015.

With a game to spare, the four-time champions have already confirmed their place in what will be a seventh straight Afcon tournament in Gabon next year, courtesy of a 2-0 away triumph over Mauritius earlier this month.

“I know we have all waited for too long, and I believe we are gradually getting there,” Acheampong told Kasapa FM.

“Hopefully 2017 will be our year, and we will all be happy.

“We got so close at the last edition in Equatorial Guinea and it was just unfortunate that we failed to nail it.”

Acheampong was among three Ghana players who missed their kicks in last year's 9-8 penalty defeat to Cote d'Ivoire in the final of Equatorial Guinea 2015.

“I must say I was very sad that day,” he added.

“It hurts me that I missed my penalty on the day, but that is football for you - you win some and lose some.

“But I believe with the sort of competition in the team, coupled with the hunger to end our trophy drought, we will get there.”

The 2017 Afcon runs between January 14 and February 5.