Ghana’s Kwadwo Asamoah: There are no favorites at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations

The Udinese midfielder expects a balanced tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, but feels the Black Stars could do well once again.

Jan 2, 2012 9:00:00 AM

By Kent Mensah

More On :  Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Udinese, Kwadwo Asamoah
Angola's Djalma & Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah (Getty Images)
Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah has said there could be a surprise at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, as he sees no team as favorite.

The Udinese midfielder told Fifa.com that all 16 teams have an equal opportunity to make a difference and although the Black Stars, the Elephants of Ivory Coast and the Teranga Lions of Senegal have been touted as tournament favorites, he believes it will be “a balanced tournament” in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

"I do not see any favorite," the 23-year-old said. "We all start on the same level, so of course there could be a big surprise."

However, Asamoah strongly feel his west African side could live up to expectations if they remain focused and adhere to the coach’s advice.

"We are a good team, without any phenomenons but with many quality players. If we are compact and gritty as [coach Goran] Stevanovic asks, we will be dangerous for anyone to play," Asamoah said.

He was mindful of the fact that the absence of the likes of Egypt, Cameroon and Nigeria will not make things easy for the four-time African champions at the 28th edition of the Nations Cup.

Asamoah stated, "It is true that strong and successful teams will be missing, but it still won't be easy to win the continental tournament. Not even South Africa will be there, but there are always new teams who will make life hard for anyone. All the teams who qualified for the finals deserved it."

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