GROUP I WINNER

Ghana kept a clean sheet throughout their qualification campaign, drawing only with Sudan. The four-time African champions began the journey with a 3-0 win over Swaziland, drew with the Nile Crocodiles but won convincingly against Congo in their third game. They won all their return leg matches, capping off their schedule with a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Khartoum.

The Serbian has performed well with his tactics, with the Black Stars scoring more goals than in the era before he took over. 'Plavi', as he is affectionately called, has promised to end Ghana’s Afcon drought in 2012 and it appears his output so far lends credence to that fact.

The Olympique Lyon defender has been rock solid in Ghana’s backline. Mensah took over from inspirational captain Stephen Appiah and although injuries have blighted his career to a certain extent, the 28-year-old has always availed himself to country whenever he is in good shape. Afcon 2012 could be his major test with the armband.

'The Baby Jet' has been Ghana’s goal-scoring hope for some time now. He rose to stardom during the 2010 edition and increased his value at the last World Cup in South Africa. The Al Ain striker is undoubtedly the Black Stars’ target-man upfront and a repeat of the Angola feat could revive the confidence fans had in him prior to his move to Asia.

He is touted as the midfield playmaker of the Ghana team. The Olympique Marseille player peaked early in his career, and after the 2009 Under-20 World Cup accomplishment, the 21-year-old has been phenomenal with the national team. He certainly has the potential to be a future captain of the Black Stars.

Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic alternates between the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the attack-minded 4-3-3 and sometimes even the more conservative 4-5-1 depending on the opposition he encounters, and he will almost certainly use a selection of set-ups during the Afcon finals.