Ghana-Cameroon: Mattheus Tips Ghana

Former German World Cup winner and one of the games most successful players, Lothar Mattheus is tipping Ghana to secure a final berth at the African Cup of Nation.

Ghana would play Cameroon in the semi-final at the Ohene Djan Stadium today and the former German captain would be present to watch the match having followed the tournament on TV.

The German, who arrived in Accra on Tuesday to watch the remaining games of the Nations Cup and educate himself says the work attitude of the Black Stars in their quarter-final win over Nigeria on Sunday is a testament to his conviction of chances of the four-time champions.

?As you can see, with one man less, they (Ghana) controlled the game against Nigeria and Nigeria is a good team.

?I was surprised with the positive mentality by them (Black Stars) to move forward even with a red card against them and that can win the Cup,? Lothar Mattheus told the local media at news conference organised by his team in Accra on the eve of the match.

Looking at the teams - Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt and Ivory Coast - who line up for the semi-finals today, the German says the any team can win the trophy.

?Each team can win because each team has shown quality. The home advantage for Ghana is just like Egypt had the last time.

?But they (Ghana) have shown that they can win even with a man down. The strongest competitor to Ghana is Ivory Coast with Drogba and everybody wants that final but I wouldn?t rule out Egypt and Cameroon.?

Mattheus, who has followed the tournament on TV says the standard of the African game are shot up considerably.

?African football is developing strongly and becoming better and better. And it?s become more interesting. The quality of play has improved. Now in Europe, everybody is following the Nations Cup because of its high standards.?