Swaziland's artificial pitch would pose a big threat to Ghana as both sides begin the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifying in Lombamba on Sunday.

Ghana, losing finalist in the previous competition in Angola are desirous of reaching the competition to be jointly staged by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

But the Black Stars' qualifying campaign in Group I would face a grueling test on the Swazi's AstroTurf surface.

Obviously, the Black Stars go into the weekend's opening fixture as favourites but would have to give the home nation utmost respect and cope with playing surface.

After days of training in Johannesburg before their departure later Friday, Ghana's players told KickOffGhana.com that they are determined to overcome the issue of the pitch in Lombamba.

"Some of us grew up playing on gravels in Ghana and pitches without grass so it will not be a problem at all. We have learnt that to win games and become a good football team you must do it the hard way and that is exactly what we must do," defender Lee Addy said.

John Paintsil says he has seen enough to convince him it will not be a problem.

"As professional players, we simply have to carry on and play well regardless of the surface. In training, the boys have passed the ball around well and have shown they have the ability to play their normal game regardless of the surface."

Dede Ayew though says there is a genuine fear of injury playing on that surface.

"We know that a lot of players pick up injuries playing on that surface so it's not the best. But we have to tough it out sometimes and hope that our collective will, will take us through."

The Black Stars will have a feel of the ground in Swaziland on Saturday in their only training session before the game itself on Sunday afternoon.