Ghana captain Leticia Zikpi is optimistic that they can win the 2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the country's history.

The team, coached by Bashir Hayford, was initially billed to tour Europe but changed plans due to financial difficulties and began preparations earlier this month with a nationwide tour. Currently, they are in Kumasi and are expected to arrive in Central regional capital Cape Coast on Monday to continue fine tuning with friendly games.

“We are hosting the tournament and our prime target is to win the title as hosts and qualify for the World Cup which will be staged in France next year,” Zikpi told Ashh FM.

“We have been touring Ghana as part of our preparations since we couldn't travel outside due to several factors. However, I have been motivating my teammates that we can make a name for ourselves and the country since it is possible to host and win.

"We can become the first squad to lift this trophy after several years because we've always failed to do that when it matters most,” she added.

The tournament, which will take place between November 17 and December 1 at the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, was almost taken away from Ghana by Caf following poor preparations.