The next seven days will see the tournament reach its business end and after struggling through the first round, the Black Stars will be desperate to make an impact after a frustrating build-up marred by injuries to several key players.

Michael Essien became the latest player to join the absentee list with a knee problem, but there has been some encouraging news after Asamoah Gyan and Anthony Annan were both passed fit.

Despite anticipating a tough match, Asamoah believes the west Africans are capable of silencing the Estadio do Novembre 11 and counted back to a recent friendly between the two sides that ended in a goalless draw.

"We played them before in a friendly and know much about them," he said.

"It will definitely be difficult.

"When we played against them in that game, it was the same atmosphere.

"It had no effect on our play and so will it be this time.

"In football, supporters don't count. It is the pitch that determines the winner."

Coach Milovan Rajevac, whose side lost to Ivory Coast and beat Burkina Faso in their two Group B games, is equally confident about the result and like the Udinese midfielder, also recalls their recent result as enough reason for motivation.

He said: "We played them in a friendly two months ago, so we know them well."

And Asamoah is counting on the return of Gyan and Annan to help boost their chances.

He added: "Hopefully, we will have some of our colleagues back. Michael is not returning, but the return of others will be pivotal."

Angolan coach Manuel Jose, who will be looking to lead the country into the last four for the first time in their history, believes his side are prepared for the Ghanaians.

He said: "We are ready for any team at the quarter-final. Anything can happen.

"We can reach the semi-final, but we can also be knocked out or we can even go all the way and win the title."

The Black Antelopes are still sweating over the fitness of winger Gilberto but could welcome become back the competition's joint top-scorer in three-goal hero Flavio Amado.