Atsu promises fireworks against DR Congo

Former South Africa striker, Shaun Bartlett believes the absence of big name stars in the Ghana team side will afford players the chance to shine at the 2013 AFCON.

Ghana, four-time African champions are missing stars like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah and Michael Essien as they seek to end a 31-year-old trophy drought.


But Shaun Bartlett, who lifted the National Cup trophy on home soil with the Bafana Bafana in 1996, believes the absence of the renowned stars will offer chance to youngsters to shine.


“More and more star players are not even coming to the AFCON, so the event is becoming more and more about discovering rough diamonds,” Bartlett said.

Youngster Christian Atsu is one of the talents on parade in the Ghana team and the FC Porto youngster believes with God on their side Ghana can take care of any opponent, beginning this Sunday against the Democratic Republic of Congo.


”We are ready to face any team and will work hard to achieve our aims to take the trophy to Ghana. First games are always difficult but we won’t underrate any team and with God on our side we’ll beat them (DR Congo) on Sunday.”


Since making his debut in the 7-0 drubbing of Lesotho with a goal and a scintillating performance, Atsu, dubbed the “New Messi” has gone ahead to make seven appearances and scored twice in the process.