Africa Cup of Nations 2012: Ghana Has Look of a Champion Early On

The Africa Cup is in full-swing and already Ghana is beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

Aside from the suspension of Issac Vorsah, the entire team is deep and chalk full of talent. The strongest area is currently at midfield, which now sports a healthy Asamoah Gyan. His speed and strength make him incredibly difficult to cover in the open field.

On Tuesday they dispatched of Botswana 1-0 as the Black Stars’ fans cheered on wildly for John Mensah. He scored the only goal of the game and also picked up a red card.

The red card means he will miss their next Group D match against Mali. It wasn’t the best game Ghana had played, but it was efficient and that’s all that matters in this grueling tournament. They emerged healthy for Saturday’s crucial match. The loss of Mensah hurts, but he isn’t going to be the difference-maker with such a deep team.

The four-time African Cup champions have watched Senegal fall to Zambia and Ivory Coast almost blow it against Sudan. The underdogs are hungry and just itching to take down one of the top teams.

Ghana’s captain John Mensah knows that people assume his team will be one of the contenders to win the tournament and he is keeping his team grounded:

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The expectation is high and we know it won't be easy but we're hopeful and believe we can win it,

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Right now Group D looks to be a race between Mali and Ghana, and Saturday’s match will provide us with the answer.

When you break down the roster position-by-position, Ghana is going to be favored. They are beginning to play with more and more confidence as they continue to be successful, have more depth and speed.

It’s been a long time since Ghana has been able to say this but…the chance to win Group D, and the African Cup is there for the taking.