Accra, Jan 19, GNA - Ghana's head coach, Claude Le Roy said he is optimistic that the Black Stars will be conquerors when they clash with Guinea in the opener of the MTN 26th African Cup of Nations opener at the sold out 40, 000 all-seater Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on Sunday. "The three points will be ours after 90 minutes of football on Sunday."

The Frenchman said he believes the Black Stars will triumph in the game pundits reckon is that of equals.

Le Roy told the media on Saturday that Ghana has lots of respect for the Guineans but that will not be the feeling on the pitch when the two do battle to initiate the biennial competition.

Guinea, ranked third on the continent, are regarded among the forerunners for the three-week fiesta, basically due to the quality of their players and their level of play during the last edition in 2006 where they exited in the quarter finals by way of penalties to the eventual champions.

Coach Le Roy said the home crowd will play a fine advantage for the Stars who are chasing a fifth Nations Cup glory to equal Egypt's record at the Africa's plum competition for her Nations.

"If there is one reason why we are considered favourites for the tourney, it is partly because we are playing at home.

"The crowd will be behind us and that is very important in football."

In the absence of injured skipper, Stephen Appiah, the coach said he and his backroom stuff have found a good balance to keep the team's dream alive.