Black Stars of Ghana will be eager to get their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers off to the perfect start when they take on Ethiopia at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday evening.

While reports in the West African nation have described the build-up to the match as gloomy and tense, a positive vibe is expected under Kwesi Appiah first match following his reappointment.

The Black Stars came close twice but failes to clinch Africa Cup of Nations tittle under previous coach Avram Grant and will be looking to make a progress under Appiah.

A section of Ghana fans however beleive in Appiah having suggested an overhaul that the new coach is confident of implementing starting from the Kumasi battle.

“What we’ve seen so far shows us that we have to work more at training and during games,” Appiah said after supervising his first session.

“We will need new players also that will help us be stronger to achieve the ambitions. It is also good to have the supporters back since we’re returning to Kumasi after all issues with the supporters resolved,” Appiah added.

Ethiopia will be hoping to go all the way this time around, but will need their fellow countrymen to rally behind them if they are to claim an unlikely win.

Ethiopia head coach Ashenafi Bekele revealed in an interview on a local radio station that there is no secret to the Walia Ibex’ success, with team unity vital to the country quest for booking of their ticket to Cameroon.

“We are ready for the game despite the setbacks after arriving in Kumasi. In all qualifiers, the first game is very important,” Bekele told the media.

“Everyone knows Ghana will be a tough side but we will not disappoint. I believe in my players and our target is not to leave here without a point. I promise everyone that they will witness good football,” he added.

Senegalese referee Maguette Ndiaye has been appointed to officiate the game with assistants from countrymen Ababacar Sene and Serigne Cheikh.