A profile of Ghana ahead of the African Cup of Nations - including past record, recent form and information on their players and coach.

PAST RECORD

Ghana have an impressive record in the Cup of Nations. They will be looking for a record-equalling fifth title as hosts this year after winning in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. They were also runners-up in 1968, 1970 and 1992.

As co-hosts of the 2000 finals they were disappointed to be knocked out at home in the quarter-finals. In 2004 they did not even qualify, edged out by Rwanda in the one of the biggest upsets in the Cup's history and two years ago failed to make it out of the first-round group phase.

RECENT FORM

Ghana have played 11 matches under Claude Leroy since October 2006, with six wins, three draws and two losses. A 5-0 defeat in Saudi Arabia in September caused a few ripples but wins over Togo and Benin in November's mini-tournament in Accra have put expectation for a Cup of Nations success back up at fever pitch.

COACH

Claude LeRoy, 59, came into replace the Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic after the 2006 World Cup finals. He has already tasted success at the finals with Cameroon in 1988.

The French-born coach is an institution in African football. He was the coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the last edition in Egypt breaking the record for the most matches coached at the Cup of Nations finals.

LeRoy also coached Cameroon to the 1986 final in Egypt and Senegal to a semi-final place in 1990 and quarter-final place in 1992.

PLAYERS

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been nominated for a third successive year as one of the five finalists for the African Footballer of the Year award. He was third in 2005 and 2006.

Ghana's midfield with Essien, Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari is regarded as one of Africa's best and Italian-based striker Asamoah Gyan continues to show promise.

Central defender John Mensah's performances in France with Rennes have earned him the nickname 'The Rock".

Ghana are likely to use off the bench the 17-year-old Dede Ayew, son of European Cup winner Abedi Pele.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Birmingham City), Sammy Adjei (Ashdod), Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold)

Defenders: John Mensah (Rennes); John Paintsil (West Ham United), Nana Kwasi Asare (Mechelen), Alhassan Illiasu (Saturn), Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayern Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Anthony Annan (IK Start), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Essien (Chelsea), Bernard Kumodzi (Panionios), Laryea Kingston (Hearts), Haminu Draman (Lokomotiv Moscow), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Ahmed Barruso (Roma)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Udinese), Baffuor Gyan (FC Saturn), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo), Kwadwo Asamoah (Liberty Professionals)

Reuters