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The level of rivalry between these two teams is of an incredible level, so expect the match to look like a final.
Ghana – strong state of mind will be the key
"Expectations might be a problem when you know that people look for a lot from you. The key is to keep your concentration.”
This is a quote that Ghana’s former coach, Claude Le Roy, recently made concerning the Black Stars.
Indeed, now that they have kicked out the 2010 Nations Cup’s hosts, expectations are heavy on them to clinch the trophy.
It isn’t really pressure that fans back home in Ghana are putting on their squad; the current atmosphere rather showcases a feeling of pride and optimism.
Initially, there were doubts among supporters that the Black Stars would even qualify into the semis considering the squad’s inexperience.
But the players proved how serious they are in their bid to clinch Ghana’s first major title since the 1980s. Beating the host nation Angola wasn’t only a victory on the pitch but also a mental victory.
Number 10 midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah had already made it clear that nothing could distract the Black Stars of Ghana and their 1-0 win in the quarter-finals surely proved that.
In 2008, Ghana hosted the Africa Cup of Nations but despite benefiting from the home crowd’s support, they lost to Cameroon in the semis and had to settle for bronze eventually.
This time, Ghana’s hunger is greater than ever. The Black Stars are eying nothing else but the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
Complacency is something they will not want to entertain as they know the danger that Nigeria presents.
They’ll make sure to continue on the same track which saw them defeating Burkina Faso and Angola en route to the semi-finals.
It will be all about affronting the Super Eagles of Nigeria in total confidence, passion, and pride.
Nigeria – time for revenge against Ghana .jpg)
Two years ago, the Nigerian national football team left Ghana on a sour note after they suffered a controversial and rare defeat against the Black Stars in the quarter-finals of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
In Angola this time, they will do everything to make sure that they have taken revenge on the Ghanaians.
Nigeria have lost in the semi-finals of the Nations Cup so many times in their history of football. At six occasions, they suffered defeat at that particular stage.
They’ll be hoping to avoid “disappointment number 7” by clinching the perfect result against Ghana on Thursday.
The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winners are yet to achieve Ghana’s record of four titles. But a victory against the Black Stars in the semis will lead them closer to reducing the gap on their rivals’ tally.
After playing 120 minutes of football against Zambia in the quarter-finals, Nigeria’s players could be affected by fatigue when they face the Ghanaians who haven’t played since Saturday.
But neither this, nor Onyekachi Apam’s absence due to suspension will come out as excuses should Nigeria lose.
The Super Eagles, who are portrayed as proud people, are not willing to be blinded by Ghana’s enchanting shining star.
