Legendary Ghanaian coach Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie insists the hype that has characterized Wednesday’s semi-final showdown between the Black Stars and Nigeria will amount to nothing and tips his native country to scale the hurdle.
The two West African rivals will go at each other in the first semi-final game at the ongoing CHAN tournament in Bloemfontein.
The hugely anticipated clash is expected to draw numbers to the Free State Stars stadium with the Ghanaians expected to enjoy massive support from the South African home fans.
Ghanaian soccer fans are cautiously optimistic against a marauding Nigerian attack which has raked in 12 goals so far in the competition.
However the former Ghana coach has downplayed the rivalry between the two giants insisting the Black Stars will come out good.
"This game isn’t any different from other semi-final games. Why is there fear and panic surrounding this game? Before the DR Congo game, people were pessimistic about our chances but we beat them 1-0,†Afranie told Sena Radio.
“We tend to always overstate the importance of these games. The noise about this game should stop. We will beat Nigeria.†he said in an interview with Sena Radio.
"We have conceded only one goal at the tournament which is one of the best at the tournament [Zimbabwe is the other team to have conceded only once too]. That's credit to our defence and goalkeeper, Stephen Adams."
The Eagles have so far scored 12 goals and conceded eight while the Black Stars have the best defensive record, having conceded a goal so far in the competition.