Ghana and Anzhi Makhachkala defender Jonathan Mensah has backed Avram Grant to guide the Black Stars to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation in Gabon.

The 61-year-old's future was recently thrown in doubt following a run of poor results with the Black Stars in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. He has been able to pick only one point in his last five games in all competitions.

However, Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi confirmed few days ago that the Israeli will lead the team to the tournament despite calls for his removal.

“I believe the football association saw something good in him that’s why they gave him the job. He came in late [2014] but did well to take us to the [Africa Cup of Nations] final two years ago,” Mensah told TV3.

“And I think he has showed that he is a top coach. We have no other choice now as the time to the tournament is limited, therefore he should be allowed to continue with the team,” he added.

The Afcon tournament kicks off on January 14 until February 5, 2017, with Ghana facing Egypt, Mali and Uganda in Group D to be based in Port-Gentil.