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Soccer News of Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Source: mtn

We aim to take the trophy to Ghana -Plavi

Goran "Plavi" Stevanovic is backing his Ghana team to banish their continental hoodoo and end a 29-year search for another Africa Cup of Nations title next year.

The Black Stars ended their preparation on Tuesday with a 2-1 friendly win over Gabon in France before the Serbian coach names his squad for January’s tournament.

Since their fourth title in 1982, the Black Stars have become the tournament’s bridesmaids, losing two finals in 1992 and 2010.

The competition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea promises to be tougher with Senegal and Ivory Coast expected to be the favourites.

Stevanovic promised to deliver the Africa Cup of Nations title when he was appointed to lead the Black Stars earlier this year.

Despite the resurgence of the Senegalese and the threat from Ivory Coast, the Ghana coach insists he has not changed his mind about winning the title.

"I am very satisfied. We aim to take the trophy to Ghana,” Stevanovic said.

“This will not be easy as there are some very good teams like Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mali want to challenge us for the title.

“But we can do. I have not changed my mind about our chances and hopes.”

Ghana have been drawn in Group D to face Guinea, Mali and Botswana.

The Africa Cup of Nations starts on 21 January and will end of 12 February.