Ghana and African football legend Abedi Ayew ahead of the 2012 African Cup of Nations gives his take on the competition.

'Pele', as he is mostly called says the absence of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa saddens him.

Abedi's thoughts

"It is sad, really sad because these are big-name football countries who bring excitement to the game throughout Africa."

"If you defeat Mauritania to win the Cup of Nations it will not be the same as defeating Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria or South Africa to win it," said the 1991-1993 African Footballer of the Year who helped Marseille conquer Europe.

"Having said that, a trophy is a trophy. If you are able to lift the Cup of Nations it means you have worked hard for it and you have sacrificed so much."

Impact of big nation absentees

"There are going to be a lot of surprises in this tournament because the teams who have qualified are not going to central Africa for a holiday," Abedi said.

"With the absence of some great countries, the small nations want to beat the big ones. Botswana and Niger will target the likes of Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal."