Black Stars skipper, Asamoah Gyan, insists the Cranes of Uganda have long been a thorn in their flesh as they have found it difficult to overcome them whenever they lock horns.

The Black Stars of Ghana open their 2018 World Cup campaign on Friday, October 7,2016 against the Cranes in Tamale.

The Black Stars have a better head-to-head record to Uganda, having won six, drawn four and lost three.

But Gyan, in an interview with the press after their first training session, admitted how tough the Cranes have been in recent years, especially having drawn in Ghana when they last clashed.

He said: “Since 2003, that I joined the national team, the Ugandans have been our headache. It’s either we draw or they win, but this time round, we will try and break that jinx because all my team mates are aware of the fact.

“So we are mentally prepared for the encounter and we hope to get good results”, he concluded.