Today, host nation Ghana kicks off the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Accra's Ohene Djan Stadium against an unpredictable and ultra-talented Guinea.

The Black Stars will have the weight of expectation squarely on their shoulders as the whole country expects success, even given the loss of stand-out Stephen Appiah to injury.

In the process of fine-tuning the Ghanaian side for a title charge, French coach Claude Le Roy spoke about the opening match and the Herculean task that lies ahead for his team.

"It's tremendous pressure. I have been trying to keep my players calm and with only few hours to go we face unbelievable expectations. Ghana has not been crowned African champions since 1982 and we know we are in a very difficult group. But the atmosphere is fantastic and we have been working step-by-step to find a solution to playing without Stephen Appiah.

"At the beginning it was very difficult, we felt the loss on the pitch because he (Appiah) is our tactical backbone. We miss him a lot but he will join us before the opening match to lend whatever support he can. There is now a larger burden of responsibility on the remaining, fit players and they are finding their feet.

"He's very, very important, essential almost. When you are a coach you must not be afraid of having a big star around you, trying to help you. He brings something extra. He is the natural leader of this team, so it will be great to have him with us. Appiah will stay for the whole tournament, as long as we are still involved. We don't know when we have to depart the championship. Hopefully it will be on February 11th, the day after the final", Leroy said.

"About Guinea, they have the potential to be African champions. They have an excellent squad with a lot of offensive players who are very skillful, like (Pascal) Feindouno, Fode Mansare, Ibrahima Bangoura. They are very, very talented. We are aware that it will be very difficult task against them. That's why I think if we have three points at the end of the first day, we will be ready for the games that follow. We really need to achieve something in the opening game. It's normal pressure.

"I have been to six Nations Cup finals now and that's how it is. But it is also a huge pleasure. I've told my players that millions dream to compete in a major championship like this but few get the chance. They must go out and enjoy and live the experience. They are privileged to have the opportunity", he added.