Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey can lead Ghana to Afcon glory, says Stephen Appiah

Stephen Appiah hopes Thomas Partey can be an inspirational player for the Black Stars at the upcoming  Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Partey played a vital role in guiding Atletico Madrid to finish second in LaLiga this season, playing 32 times and scoring thrice with a passing accuracy of 84% for Los Rojiblancos.

Kwesi Appiah’s side faces tricky Afcon fixtures against Cameroon, Benin Republic and Guinea-Bissau in Group F as they aim for their fifth title.

Appiah, who played 67 times for his country, believes the 26-year-old will be a key figure in Ghana’s quest to shine brightly in Egypt.

“Every player’s dream is to play in the Afcon and Thomas Partey is not an exception,” Appiah told Goal.

“Partey is doing very well and with his abilities and with what he can do on the field, he can help Ghana go far.”

Ghana finished a disappointing fourth in the last edition staged in Gabon, however, the 38-year-old is upbeat about his country’s chances this time around.

“It’s going to be an interesting Afcon because we will have 24 teams participating instead of 16. That will make it difficult and exciting,” he continued.

“For Ghana, we are going to take it match for match. All the countries taking part are not pushovers and they will be very prepared.

“We have our goal going to Egypt, and that is to win, but we have to respect the [other] countries who will be participating."

The Black Stars begin their campaign against the Squirrels on June 25 at the Ismailia Stadium in Ismailia.