[Kofi Addae, GNA Special correspondent in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, Courtesy CAF]

Bata, Jan. 26, GNA – Zambia coach Herve Renard has tipped the Black Stars of Ghana as the number one favourites to lift the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title. Renard, 44, who spent more than a year with the Ghana team during the reign of compatriot Claude Le Roy in a 'strange' capacity as a physical trainer, told GNA Sports in Bata that the Black Stars are the clear-cut favourites with the measuring rod being their recent performances.

The Frenchman who has proved his technical prowess at the helm of the Chipolopolos side, said the depth in quality of the Black Stars team ranks them above the other contenders.

“It is normal that people are talking about Ghana; they were metres away from the semi final at the World Cup in 2010. They were not there by chance but deserved to do better.

“Of course, some big teams are missing but they are always consistent. Even with six key players missing in 2010, they reached the final.”

The ever-confident Renard who guided the Chipolopolos to stun the Teranga Lions of Senegal in their opener at the tournament, added that most of the players in the Ghana team have matured.

“I know a lot of the players in the Ghana squad. When I was there, most of the players were young like Inkoom (SamueL), Andre (Ayew), Asamoah (Kwadwo), Agyemang Badu and now they are in the first eleven.

“With strikers like Gyan (Asamoah) and Ayew (Jordan), they are a very strong squad. They want to win something and it will be very difficult to beat them.”

The Zambian trainer admits that the journey not will be smooth easily for the Black Stars, but noted that they have the ability to reach farthest with a little effort.

“Every tournament is very difficult, but when you talked about favourites, it is Ghana. There is also Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire. For Cote d’Ivoire, it is now or never for this generation.”

Meanwhile, Renard has s et a quarter final target for his team, who have four points from two games so far.

The Frenchman has since handled Angola and USM Algers since leaving Ghana in May 2008.