President John Mahama tells the nation in his New Year's message that the Black Stars stand a good chance of shining at this year's World Cup.

In his live broadcast message on Tuesday in Accra, the president congratulated the senior men's national team for making it a third-straight qualification to the World Cup.

"I congratulate our Black Stars for qualifying for Brazil 2014," President Mahama said.

"Our gallant [Black] Stars have risen to the occasion, again and again even in times when we have doubted their ability to overcome the odds."

Ghana are placed in one of the toughest groups for the tournament in Brazil where they are paired with Germany, the United States and Portugal.

President Mahama says the Ghana team do not lack the quality to advance past the group stage.

"We are in a formidable group but the Black Stars are a formidable team too and remember the adage, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

"I believe that once again the [Black] Stars will shine in Brazil and make us proud."