‘Avoid complacency’ – Sam Johnson cautions Black Stars after 2021 Africa Cup of Nations draw

Former defender, Sam Johnson believes the Black Stars have a good draw but must work their way out to book a qualification for the next round of the competition.

Ghana have been paired with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros in Group C in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon].

Coach C.K Akonnor’s side will play their first two matches in Yaoundé before travelling up North to Garoua for the final Group C encounter.

Various reactions have been shared in the aftermath of the event and Sam Johnson, who is a former Hearts of Oak defender has not been left of the conversation.

In his view, Ghana got a good draw but will be mistaken if they underrate any of their group opponents, particularly minnows Comoros.

“On paper, you will pick Ghana and Morocco as already qualified teams from the group, but the way football is evolving you always need to work hard and leave nothing to chance,” he told Asempa FM.

“All the same, it’s good we got such a group. It looks quite easy but it won’t be easy but definitely, we have a good draw.

“There’s no way Comoros can beat Ghana but we need to work hard and eschew complacency. We need not underrate them. It’s true they have no name in football but they should not be underrated,” he added.

The Black Stars will take on the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the opening match on Monday, January 10 at the Ahmadou Ahijo stadium in Yaoundé. Ghana will then play Gabon on Friday, January 14 before battling Comoros on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

The Black Stars are in search of their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1982 and Coach Akonnor has been tasked to end the forty-two-year trophy in Cameroon.

The 2021 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for Cameroon from Sunday, January 9 to Sunday, February 6, 2022.