Ghana will begin their quest for a first Africa Cup of Nations crown since 1982 with a Group F encounter with Benin at the Ismailia Stadium Tuesday evening.
The Black Stars one of Africa’s great football nations have won the Nations Cup four times, the last time being 37 years ago in Libya.
Since then, the Black Stars have lost four finals with the recent one in 2015 when they were beaten by Ivory Coast despite taking a 2-0 lead in the penalty shootout.
Benin qualified for this year’s Afcon by finishing second in a group with Algeria, Gambia and Togo. This is the first appearance since 2010 for the Squirrels and they are still yet to make it past the group stage.
The Squirrels, who are led by coach Michel Dussuyer will feature the likes of Stephane Sessegnon and Steve Mounie, qualified as runners-up behind Algeria in their preliminary group.
The match is scheduled for 20:00 GMT on June 25.
Predicted starting XI
Ghana: Richard Ofori – Andy Yiadom, Lumor Agbeyenu, John Boye, Kassim Nuhu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Thomas Partey, Christian Atsu, Thomas Agyepong, Andre Dede Ayew, Jordan Ayew
Benin: Fabien Farnolle, Enangon David Kiki, Olivier Verdon, Khaled Adénon, Moise Adilehou, Seidou Bazare, Mickaël Poté, Seibou Mama, Jordan Adeoti, Cebio Soukou, Steve Mounie.
