Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi has admitted the burden of expectations is dawn on the Black Stars but confident they can cope with the pressure.

The West African giants go in search of their first crown in 31-years at the continental showpiece to be held in South Africa next year.

The Ghanaians grabbed silver at the Angola 2010 Nations Cup but fell two steps down to place fourth at the last 2012 tournament in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea.

The Black Stars have always been among the hot favourites for the title, but have have flattened to deceive in the past three decades.

With an array of experienced and top stars at their disposal, pressure has been brought on the team to end their long wait for an African crown at the expense of fellow giants Cote D’voire and defending champions Zambia as well as perennial under-achivers Nigeria.

But the country’s fooball chief is confident they can handle the demands that comes with playing for the national team.

“This work goes with lots of pressure and I believe the players have been in such situations before,” Nyantakyi said

“Once you allow pressure to build, it will destabilize your team. We wanted to win the Nations Cup in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea, but we couldn’t win.

“We have assessed the problems and believe we’re ready to take on the rest of Africa in South Africa.

“We have been gingered cautiously optimistic of winning the troph this time around. Pressure will come but we will ignore them and go for gold.

The four-time champions last won the Nations Cup in 1982.