Former Ghana defender Shilla Illiasu has stressed that unity will be key for the Black Stars if they are to lift the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Egypt later this year.

With a match to spare, Ghana have already secured qualification for the tournament, which is set to run between June 15 and July 13.

The four-time champions are seeking to end their 37-year wait for continental success, having won their last title in 1982.

Kwesi Appiah's side have come close to ending their drought at the last six tournaments, having reached the semi-finals, and even going as far as the final in 2010 and 2015.

“Everybody is saying that Ghana is going to win the AFCON but it is not going to be easy. Though we have players, togetherness, that is our problem. Even the coach is having problems with them. Unity is very difficult for them. If you want to win a cup you must be unified. I know the players all of them are always playing away and there is match fitness and everything but the Unity is very important”, the formal Kotoko player shared.