Former Black Stars winger Christian Atsu has called on Ghanaians to have high expectation of the Black Stars team that is heading for the African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

He says that its a fallacy for anyone to suggest that Ghana has a bad team as he belives we have a strong squad to lift the fifth AFCON title.

Ghana is seeking to end the almost four decade wait for the African Cup of Nations trophy when the 33rd edition kicks off in Cameroon this weekend.

The Black Stars have not won the biennial tournament since last winning in Libya in 1982 although the Ghana team has gone close three times in 1992, 2010 and 2015 but lost all finals to neighbours Ivory Coast and Egypt.

Many Ghanaians have lost faith in the team after their dismal showing in the only preparatory game against African Champions Algeria in Qatar on Wednesday.

Christian Atsu who has been a regular fixture in the Ghana AFCON squad misses out for the first time since 2013 as he enters the twilight of his career that promised so much.

Now plying his trade in the retirement home of the Gulf State, the former Newcastle, Chelsea ace thinks that Ghana can lift the diadem.

“We have a very strong team; people don’t realise it,” Atsu told 3news.com.

“We have young players but some people are complaining about their lack of experience. I am surprised people are still complaining about young players because for me, it doesn’t matter whether you are young or old it is all about what you can do on the pitch.

“As a young player, when you are given the opportunity, you must do your best else you won’t get a second chance unless you are lucky.”

Atsu added, “We have a very good team, we have to support the team, and we have to expect a lot from them.

“I heard someone saying we shouldn’t expect a lot from these players but what are they going to do in the tournament? They have to go and win.”he said