Five-time Africa Cup of Nations participant John Paintsil hopes the sixth time is a charm with perennial tournament favourites Ghana.
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The four-time AFCON winners will start their campaign on Sunday when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B, which includes Mali and Niger.
Having made his tournament debut in 2002, Paintsil has gone on to represent his country at every edition since then.
With more than 80 international caps to his name, the 31-year-old is one of the most experienced members of Kwesi Appiah's squad for the continental showpiece in South Africa.
But with only a bronze medal from the Black Stars' 2008 third-place finish to brag about, Paintsil is keen to repay his loyal countrymen and supporters by bringing home the trophy.
"It will be nice to win the Africa Cup for our nation," he told the Ghanaian Football Association's official website.
"Any team against Ghana puts up a fight, we expect that, but we have to believe in ourselves."
Appiah has selected a less experienced team than those which have previously participated at AFCON competitions.
Paintsil, however, is confident any cup rookies will be as determined to succeed as the old guard.
"It's part of the game," he added. "New players will always come in. We were all new at a some point."
"There is competition in the team and everybody wants to play. Whoever gets the chance will die for the nation."
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