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Soccer News of Wednesday, 8 February 2012

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Ghana fit for Zambia

Ghana boss Goran Stevanovic is confident his players have had enough time to recover for their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Zambia.

Stevanovic's men needed extra-time to overcome Tunisia 2-1 in their quarter-final outing on Sunday, while Zambia brushed aside Sudan a day earlier.

The Serbian coach understands the advantage Zambia holds with an extra day's rest, but is positive his team will be ready for the semi-final.

"We accept we've only had a short time to prepare for the game, our opponents have had one day more to rest and we play 120 minutes in a very tough game against Tunisia," he said ahead of Wednesday's match.

"All this is very important for the game. Most important is our personality and I'm sure we will be ready for the game."

Ghana will enter the clash in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, as favourites, with a meeting against the Ivory Coast in the final a real possibility.

Striker Asamoah Gyan said Zambia were a dangerous opponent and had improved as the tournament went on.

"Any time they come on the pitch the come as underdogs as people know," the Sunderland man, on-loan at Al-Ain, said.

"They continue to dominate the games. They've improved in every game."

In the other semi-final, pre-tournament favourites the Ivory Coast face Mali in Libreville, Gabon.

Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui was full of praise for Mali, who he said were at their best.

"Our main goal is to keep the same principle, to respect our opponent, knowing that the game is on the pitch and one of our opponents is Mali," he said.

"They are actually at 200 percent of all their abilities, physically and mentally. We are expecting a very difficult game, but we will start this game with a lot of determination."