Ghana aims for Mali scalp

Franceville, Jan. 27, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars will seek to wrap up qualification into the next stage of the African Cup of Nations when they play Mali in the second Group D game at the Franceville Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams walk into action, knowing only a win could mean passage to the quarter final stage of the competition even before their last group games.

Mali has understandably turned paranoid only 24 hours to the game closing their doors to the world in their bid to keep to their chest what strategies they have in store for Ghana, tagged as the tournament favourites.

Both teams are tied on three points following Mali's open day win over Guinea with Saturday's duel expected to be thrilling due to the quality of both teams.

As expected, Coach Goran Stevanovic who has promised Ghana the trophy after a three decade wait, remains optimistic that the Stars will shine and march on.

The Serb is rather first to admit that Mali will come tough knowing their quality and fire power upfront. However, like the Coach, the mood in the Stars camp is one that is largely echoed by Andre Ayew who insists “on a good day, there is nothing this team cannot do”. Without doubt, both teams will go for the kill in that envisaged thrilling duel with Ghana staying as favourites on paper if the team's pedigree is anything to go by. The Stars will be without injured Captain John Mensah who picked a red card in the game with Botswana but Goran Stevanovic is sure of getting a decent replacement in Johnathan Mensah to pair John Boye in Central defence, where they will be expected to foil all dangers from the Mali attack.

Boye made an impressive debut against Botswana and much more will be expected of him tomorrow. Hopefully, Stevanovic would ring changes in his starting set, but keep faith in Emmanuel Agyeman Badu to ensure a water tight midfield and adequate supplies to Asamoah Gyan to do the damage for Ghana as well.

The battle lines have been drawn and it will be Ghana and Mali fighting for that decent result to progress when they face each other in Franceville on Saturday.

By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Franceville,Gabon, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports ).