Former Ghana defender Stephen Frimpong Manso has lauded the Black Stars’ pre-Afcon friendly match with Algeria.

Ghana will face the African champions at Doha in Qatar before the delayed 2021 Afcon starts in January next year.

Algeria are currently unbeaten in their last 33 matches in all competitions and will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Black Stars at the 2015 Afcon.

Speaking to Class 91.3FM, Frimpong Manso said: “I think Algeria, for now, are one of the best in Africa”.

“They have very good quality and play football”.

“They have very exciting players: Mahrez – a World Cup player and lots of players at the highest level”. 

“With Algeria, we have chosen a very good opposition. I believe it will help us a lot in terms of knowing our weaknesses before Afcon. For me, it’s a very good exercise”.

The Black Stars have been grouped with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros in Group C of the continental showpiece.

Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mr Mustapha Ussif, has budgeted $5 million for the Black Stars’ participation in the Afcon, which will take care of the team’s preparation up to the finals.

This is a $1.3-million reduction of the $6.3 million budgeted for the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

The 2021 Afcon starts from 9th January 2022 to 6th February 2022.