Ghana's reputation as one of Africa's footballing powers is in sharp decline.
Many Ghanaians themselves doubt the team's ability to get through the first round.
With Morocco and South Africa to beat, their fears are well founded.
The Black Stars have yet to resolve some serious problems.
The mistrust between foreign stars and coaching staff means recent internationals featured home-based players, with Ghana missing out on a wealth of overseas talent.
Even with a first choice team, Ghana are still lacking an inspirational play-maker in the mould of Abedi Pele or Tony Yeboah.
Coach Osam-Duodu took the team to victory in '78, but his latest spell in charge has failed to produce any magic.
He is unlikely to work any miracles in Mali.
