Ghana to play a-12 man Equitorial Guinea in AFOCN semis

Tomiwa Babalola

Black Stars of Ghana must be geared up to play a 12-man Equitorial guinea in their semi final game that will be played later today at the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

The four-time African champions defeated Guinea in the quarter final game 3-0 to progress to the last four of the African showpiece, with the aim of winning the trophy come February 8.

The captain of the host country, Emilio Nsue said he is optimistic that his side can cause upset as they hope to keep their hope of winning the title alive.

The hosts will go into the clash in Malabo as clear underdogs, with Ghana an established force in the world game.

Meanwhile, the Equitorial Guinea coach, Esteban Becker has thanked the home fans for their unwavering support they have enjoyed so far helping them through to the last four in the history of their football and Middesbrough forward Nsue is keen to give their fans plenty more to shout about.

"We are pleased with this achievement and to see the country proud. But at this stage, anything is possible. We have showed that we can compete at that level and we will go out and do our best against Ghana,'' Spanish-born Nsue said on www.cafonline.com.

"We prepared well and we have kept our focus and concentration and taken every game one at a time.

"Our fans have also been fantastic and I would like to salute them and the people of Equatorial Guinea for their support. We hope to see them in full voice tomorrow and I hope we will continue to do well and get a dream result against Ghana.''

Ghana is unsure of the availability of the team captain, Asamoah Gyan who was injured in their quarter final game.

Whoever wins  this evening will face Ivory Coast who already progressed to the final after beating DR Congo 3-1 after 90 minutes with Yaya Toure breaking his goal drought for the first time in the championship.