Sunderland and Ghana defender John Mensah stressed that the Black Stars have a great squad packed with quality as they proved during the World Cup 2010 and the African Cup of Nations held in the beginning of the same year.

"Ghana is now the best team in Africa because of our hard work in South Africa and in Angola at the African Cup of Nations," the 28-year old defender was quoted as saying on Sunderland's official website.

Ghana ended as runners-up to reigning champions Egypt in Angola 2010 and were dramatically defeated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2010 by Uruguay.

Serbian tactician Milovan Rajevac - the man in the driving seat of this golden generation - has since stepped down and been replaced by his fellow countryman Goran Stevanovic.

"Now we have a new coach, he must get to know us. He has only had one friendly game so far but he can be sure that we will work hard as a team and help him win the tournament.

"I believe we can achieve that," he concluded.

Ghana have moved to the top of African teams in the February FIFA ranking as they came 15th, moving a place up from their January ranking while Egypt, who were 10th last month, dropped to 23rd place.