Cabinda, Angola, Jan. 13, GNA - The President of the Ghana Football Association, (GFA) Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi has said that the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola is a perfect platform for the youthful and upcoming players of the Black Stars to justify their inclusion into the senior national team with an excellent performance.

Mr Nyantakyi said "This is a test time for the players, especially those making their debut in the team to prove to all that they are indeed qualified to play for the nation at this level.

"It is also an opportunity to prove to all that they are capable of stepping into the shoes of some of the senior players who could not make it to the competition either through injury or other commitments". Nyantakyi told the GNA Sports in an interview in Cabinda.

Mr Nyantakyi said the desire of the players to prove a point in the competition gives him enough conviction that they will deliver on Friday and progress to the next stage of the competition as well. He in addition said the players in camp have what it takes to deliver even though they might be playing in their first Africa Cup of Nations, adding that most of them play for bigger teams as well and have the required experience to perform at any level.

The President of the FA said members of the Under-20 team in the Black Stars also have adequate international exposure to deliver hence the team has the needed capacity to beat Cote d'Ivoire on Friday. Mr Nyantakyi indicated that the level of morale among the players is very high and this gives him the firm conviction that the boys are up to the task.

He said that the players have also demonstrated high level of seriousness and keen competition at training in a bid to make the first team on Friday against Cote d'Ivoire.

He however reckoned that the game against Cote d'Ivoire will not be an easy one since the Ivorians also have the desired quality to perform. The FA President said they are aware of the quality of the West African neighbours but are not afraid of them, saying Ghana is also bent on picking the three maximum points at stake. "We can't afford an early exit. We must go as far as we can, so we must do everything possible to progress to the next stage of the competition". He stated.

Touching on the level of preparations made by the team for the competition, the FA President expressed satisfaction with what have been done so far.

Mr Nyantakyi said the technical team has been consistent with their preparations and bearing any unforeseen circumstances, their dreams of making progress in the competition will be fulfilled. The FA President appealed to Ghanaians to be resolute in their support for the team at the competition as the Blacks Stars are set to make the nation proud.