Ghana legend Abedi Pele believes the absence of four past winners at next year’s Nations Cup finals will have an adverse effect on its competitiveness.

Record winners Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa all failed to book a ticket to the 28th edition which will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Abedi Pele, who helped the Black Stars to lift the prestigious trophy as an 18-year-old in 1982 in Libya, says the absence of the four former winners is sad.

“They are strong teams in the history of the competition and could have made the tournament keener,” the three-time African Footballer of the Year told Peace FM.

“It is sad that they are not going to participate.

“But I think those who have qualified can make a better tournament.”

Ghana will make a 19th appearance at the contingent’s flagship event and will be seeking a fifth silverware.