Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful believes ill-luck is partly to blame for the Black Stars' Africa Cup of Nations woes.

It has been a frustrating time for the four-time champions at the continental fiesta in recent time, having successively made the semi-finals but failed to lay hands on the trophy.

Their last title dates back to 1982.

''After 35 years, what we are supposed to do to be able to clinch the diadem, have we done it?” as reported by Ghanasoccernet.

"It could be that we have not prepared enough to win the cup.

''[Or] maybe it's not our time because there’s luck in sports.

''I believe when it’s our time to win it, nothing can stop us. In 2015, we were in the finals but lost on penalties.

''I believe in destiny though 36 years is a very long time. It could be that the next Afcon is for us.''

Ghana lost to Egypt in the final of the 2010 Afcon before falling on penalties at the same stage against Cote d'Ivoire in 2015.

At the last event in Gabon, the Black Stars finished fourth.

The Black Stars were champions in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

Arhinful represented Ghana at the 2000 gathering on home soil where the Black Stars were eliminated in the quarter-finals.