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Ghana is not a favorite for AFCON 2019 - Desailly

France legend Marcel Desailly has stated that the Black Stars are not among the favourites in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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The 1998 World Cup winner believes Ghana’s status as outsiders could rather spur the team to do better.

The Black Stars have played in every semi-final of the AFCON since 2008, making the final twice in the same period, but have so far failed to lift the trophy.

Desailly, however, believes Ghana could be the surprise package in Egypt, despite not being among the favourites.

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“In the previous African Cup of Nations, we were really hoping to win it because we were one of the favourites but you can see nothing happened," he told Accra-based Zylofon FM.

"This time, you can see we are not one of the favourites

“Our status as underdogs allows us to work in a better way to be one of the surprise teams of this tournament, so we hope that they prepare very well.

“They [team] were in Dubai [United Arab Emirates] to prepare physically because you know its key at the beginning of the tournament

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"I’m confident that they [Ghana] can be a surprise of this tournament."

The continental showpiece kicked off on Friday, June 21 with hosts Egypt recording to 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the opening game.

Ghana’s Black Stars are aiming to end a 37-year trophy-less run, which stretches back to 1982.

Ghana will face Guinea-Bissau, Benin and defending champions Cameroon in Group F of the tournament.

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The Black Stars will play their first game on Tuesday, June 24 against Benin. 

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