Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic says Ivory Coast, Senegal and dark horses Mali are the greatest threat to his team's chances of winning the African Nations Cup.
The Black Stars are chasing a fifth title after last winning it in 1982.
Though tipped among the favourites for the tournament in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea, Stevanovic, has told Belgrade's B92 television that race for the continental title has become more competitive than ever following the failure of some of Africa's top teams to qualify.
"Defending champions Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa won't be there, meaning that the 16 teams which did reach the finals are very strong," Stevanovic told www.b92.net.
"In my humble opinion, Ivory Coast and Senegal should reach the last four and one of them will probably play in the final, while Mali are also a team to watch out for.
"The Malian style of play has the handwriting of their coach, former France midfielder Alain Giresse so these four teams are the cream of the crop," he said.
Ghana's first game at the finals will be against newcomers, Botswana on January 24, three days after the tournament kicks off.
The Black Stars will follow up their opener with fixtures against West African rivals, Mali four days later and Guinea on February 1 at the same stadium.
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