Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor is feeling optimistic after Black Stars’ opponents for the 2nd round qualifiers of the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup was revealed following Tuesday’s draw by CAF in Egypt.

The four-time African champions were paired along with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in Group G.

Despite suggestions that Ghana have been handed an easy draw, Akonnor insists his side need hard work and desire to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.

The West African country are embarking on a quest to reach the global event for the fourth time after making it to the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions.

“We know all the teams South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia will do their bit to get there but we will put in hard work and we know that hard work pays,” said the 45-year old after the draw.

“The last one we went to was in Brazil, we didn’t qualify for the last one and we are hoping and believing that this is the time for us to be back there.

“But it is important for us to put in hard work. It is the desire for all the teams to qualify but we will put a lot of work in the desire to qualify.”