Ghana legend Abedi Pele believes the absence of four past winners at next year�s Nations Cup finals will have an adverse effect on its competitiveness.
Record winners Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa all failed to book a ticket to the 28th edition which will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Abedi Pele, who helped the Black Stars to lift the prestigious trophy as an 18-year-old in 1982 in Libya, says the absence of the four former winners is sad.
�They are strong teams in the history of the competition and could have made the tournament keener,� the three-time African Footballer of the Year told Peace FM.
�It is sad that they are not going to participate.
�But I think those who have qualified can make a better tournament.�
Ghana will make a 19th appearance at the contingent�s flagship event and will be seeking a fifth silverware.
<<Print>>