Australia midfielder Tim Cahill does not think their World Cup chances have improved because of Michael Essien's absence through injury.
The Ghana and Chelsea star was ruled out on Thursday when he failed a fitness test on a knee injury he picked up while training during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last January.
Australia will face the African side on 19 June in Rustenburg but Cahill, who plays for English side Everton, believes they will still represent a tough challenge.
"It means nothing - we just have to work hard and concentrate on us," he said.
"Essien is a big player and it is sad for him and his family not to be involved in such a big competition, but we just have to think about our team."
Cahill scored ten goals this season for his club as they recovered from a slow start to finish eighth and just miss out on a UEFA Europa League place.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek is likely to use him in a more advanced role next month with only three other strikers named in a 28-man squad and Cahill admitted he is hoping to replicate club form for his country.