He said during a visit to Botswana last week that Ghana stands a better chance of equalling the record because as hosts, they are favoured to win next year's AFCON. Pele said his country has done a lot of ground-work in preparing for the event that starts on January 20. Since the tournament started in 1957, the once-dreaded Black Stars of Ghana were the runaway leaders until a decline allowed Egypt to close the gap and eventually surge ahead last year. After victories in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982, Ghana was the only country to lift the cup four times - double the number of nearest rivals Egypt. Since then, the Pharaohs of Egypt have added more titles in 1986, 1998 and last year to better the record while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have equalled the Black Stars four wins. After a first ever qualification for the World Cup in Germany last year coupled with the advantages of hosting the AFCON, Ghana is heavily favoured to win a record equaling fifth title.
They are expected to breeze through Group A where their only worry should be powerful with Morocco with some challenge coming from Guinea and lightweights Namibia. The Black Stars begin the campaign with a tricky date against West African rivals Guinea in Accra.
