AFCON 2013: Wakaso ready and charged up

Mubarak Wakaso represents one of the youthful players tipped for stardom as Ghana's next generation of stars are rolled off the conveyor belt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Just like in recent times, the Black Stars have a good number of debutants, ten at the 2013 finals in South Africa backed by a vastly experienced group with more than three tournament's under their belts.

The Espanyol midfielder is one of the many first-timers. He has taken his chances with the Black Stars and as he prepares for his debut tournament, the 22-year-old is poised for the start.

With two goals in just a few caps for Ghana, Wakaso has settled well into the group is not overawed by the expectation that comes with playing at the Nations Cup.

“This is not my first African competition for the nation but it’s the first time for the Black Stars," Wakaso told www.ghanafa.org on Friday in Port Elizabeth after training.

“I don’t take it as a difficult thing because it’s part of my work. What I need to do or what we need to do is concentrate; get what we need on the pitch to get our three points, that’s the most important thing."

Ghana starts the competition in Group B against two-time winners, DR Congo, managed by former Black Stars coach Claude Le Roy.

“We are preparing to get the three points," he said.

“In football, there’s no underrating. We are not underrating them because they also have good players like we have. We need to work hard and get our three points."

The Black Stars, four-time champions have witnessed some close misses, extending their wait for the trophy for 31 years. But for Wakaso, Ghana has the players to roll back the good years.

“[Winning trophy] That is the reason why we are here, we have the players who can help to win the trophy.”