Razak: "We're convinced we can win the Africa Cup of Nations this year"

Razak Brimah has been virtually a fixture between the sticks in Spanish football since way back in 2008. After plying his trade for the likes of Real Betis, CD Tenerife and CD Mirandes, the shotstopper was snapped up by Cordoba CF on their return to LaLiga 1|2|3 two years ago, and ever since then he has been showcasing his cat-like reflexes on a regular basis at the Nuevo Arcangel.

However, having been called up by his country for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the goalie is currently away in Gabon competing for the continental crown with Ghana, who were beaten by the Ivory Coast in the final of the last edition, in 2015. We caught up with Razak ahead of the Black Stars' quarter-final tie against DR Congo and he left us in no doubt that he and his teammates are determined to go one better this time round.

Question: How does it feel to go back to Africa, your continent, to play football?

Answer: It's great! This is a very different place to what people are used to in Europe. I believe that everyone should visit Africa at some point in their lives and experience it for themselves, because what people tell you doesn't always match up with the way things really are.

Q: With just hours to go until the knockout stages get underway in Oyem, what's the spirit like in the camp? Do you sense any nerves?

A: No, there's not a whiff of nerves! We're just really looking forward to the game and to securing our place in the semi-finals. At this stage, we just can't wait for kick-off.

Q: As a squad, what are your targets? What's the dream?

A: We've got our sights firmly set on the final and we're convinced we can win the Africa Cup of Nations this year. We've performed well so far and will continue to focus on doing our jobs as we look to achieve that objective.

Q: After having lost out on penalties in the 2015 final, do you see this tournament as a means of settling the score?

A: Yes, that defeat gives us the added motivation to work even harder. My teammates and I believe that this year can be the one when we take the title and we need to grab this opportunity with both hands.