FRANCIVILLE – Asamoah Gyan is expected to lead the Ghana attack after recovering from injury as they seek to kick on from their World Cup quarterfinal place and challenge for the African Nations Cup title.
Gyan had been doubtful for the tournament with a hamstring injury but has been cleared to play in Tuesday’s opening Group D match against debutants Botswana in Franceville.
The new stadium in the Gabonese town will also host a west African derby between Mali and Guinea, both seeking to atone for disappointing campaigns two years ago.
Guinea did not qualify after going to three successive Nations Cup quarterfinals while Mali were one of the favourites but crashed out in the first round in the 2010 edition in Angola.
The four Group D teams are the last to enter into competition at the tournament co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Gabon got off to a winning start on Monday by beating debutants Niger 2-0 and Morocco were upset 2-1 by Tunisia.
