The head of Ghana's Black Stars management committee is optimistic that the team can navigate their path despite being drawn into a tough group in the 2017 Afcon.

George Afriyie has expressed confidence in a group that contains Egypt and Uganda - who are also group mates in the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Ghana will face perennial rivals Mali as the fourth team in group D.

The team will be based in Port Gentil and will open their campaign with the Cranes, the same side that denied Ghana a perfect start to World Cup qualifiers by playing out a goalless draw.

But Afriyie, who doubles as Vice President of the Football Association, admits that it is going to be difficult; however, he trusts that the team will deliver. “I think that our group is the toughest. It is similar to the World Cup draw (because we have Egypt and Uganda),” he said.

“It will be a repeat of the World Cup qualifiers. I always trust my boys and the results of the draw will bring the best out of them.”