Star player:
Michael Essien

Previous appearances:
2006 (second round)

How they qualified
CAF
Libya (h)         3-0
Lesotho (a)     3-2
Gabon (a)       0-2
Gabon (h)       2-0
Libya (a)         0-1
Lesotho (h)     3-0
Benin (h)        1-0
Mali (a)           2-0
Sudan (a)       2-0 
Sudan (h)       2-0
Benin (a)        0-1
Mali (h)          2-2

Chances:
The Black Stars are a sound unit with their top stars playing at the very highest level in Europe. A repeat of their 2006 success would be an excellent achievement, though, especially after a tough draw.

Strange but true
Ghanaian second division club Keta Sandlanders FC launched a novel membership model this year in a bid to become the first club to survive and thrive entirely on internet pledges from around the world. They have targeted fans willing to invest $12 each via an excellent website, and also sell merchandise.