AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
Venue: Estadio de Malabo Date: Sunday, 1/2/15 Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
Coverage: Nile Sports website, TV: BEIN Sports
Injuries aside, Guinea will be hoping that fortune is with them as they take on Ghana in a game that was moved to the Estadio de Malabo because of concerns about the surface in Mongomo.
Guinea survived in the competition only after winning a drawing of lots on Thursday to emerge from Group D at the expense of Mali.
They drew 1-1 in all three group games and are now setting their sights on going beyond the quarter-finals for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 16 teams in 1996.
“When we found out it was us, there was a great explosion of joy. But, of course, I had a thought for the Malians,” said Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer of the surreal manner in which his side went through.
“It is tough, because they also deserved to go through. They missed a penalty against us and then they go out on a drawing of lots. Luck was on our side. But if we have got to the quarter-finals it is because we deserved to somewhere.”
The sides met in qualifying, with the Black Stars having the edge thanks to a 1-1 draw and then a 3-1 victory.
And Avram Grant’s Ghana then finished top of a tough group ahead of Algeria, Senegal and South Africa.
“I can say there is a lot of talent here, very, very good players, quality in the highest level,” said Grant.
“The quality of the players is good, the quality of the games is good also. There have been many, many good games, which in a tournament you cannot take for granted.
Ghana are aiming to continue their record of having reached at least the semi-finals at each of the last four tournaments, and Grant says his team must be ready for every eventuality.
