Ghana General captain John Mensah is optimistic the African giants will prove critics wrong by advancing from the Group of Death at the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

The centre-back, who played in Ghana’s two previous World Cup appearances, believes the team will successfully navigate their path against USA, Germany and Portugal in Group G.

Pundits have written off Ghana’s quest of progressing this time round, but the former Sunderland player says the Black Stars’ improved level of maturity makes them a credible side for any opposition.

“We have been there twice and on both occasions we made progress,” Mensah said.

“In 2010, most people thought we couldn’t make it out of the group stages, but we got to the quarter finals.

“The Black Stars have matured over the years and this draw only means we are ready to move another step further at the World Cup.”

Injury-prone Mensah has been out of action since his contract with Rennes expired last season.