Ivory Coast will be desperate to record a win against Ghana in a clash described as a 'derby for the Gods' as a fitting tribute to their fallen African compatriots in Cabinda.
The encounter serves as the tie of the tournament thus far, but instead of the colourful build-up usually associated with such battles, the mood in both camps is quite reflective - with the focus very much on honouring their Togolese brothers, whose team bus was attacked in the Angolan enclave last Friday.
Both sides considered pulling out of the African Nations Cup as a sign of solidarity, but Sparrow Hawks skipper Emmanuel Adebayor convinced them to play on and thwart the aims of terrorism.
A week on from the tragedy, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and the like will be eager to put on a good display of football as a way of paying their respects to the families of the fatalities.
Ghana's Andre Dede Ayew told the BBC: "We and Togo are like brothers ... it's painful what happened. Everyone was afraid. I think it got to a point where you think about your security, but the people here assured us, our big men assured us, and for us it was much easier [to stay] than for the Togolese.
"When you are on the field you forget about everything and everyone needs to fight for a position in the quarterfinals. [Ivory Coast are] a great team; they are the favourites in this tournament no doubt, so we have to give them respect - but we all want to succeed for our nation."
The Elephants are eager to bounce back after their disappointing goalless draw against minnows Burkina Faso. The pre-tournament favourites have much to prove against the Black Stars, something which coach Vahid Halilhodzic understands.
"We are now in a very difficult position but still have all the cards in our hands and I know we can go through to the knockout phase," he said.
Milovan Rajevac, his counterpart in the dugout, has Michael Essien to call upon after the midfielder was held up in London due to horrid weather conditions.
The Chelsea star passed a fitness test following a hamstring strain, but it is unclear whether he will be included in the starting line-up.
However, he will still be without Anthony Annan through injury. "We want to win this competition but this first game is going to be interesting pitting our very young team against one of the best and most experienced sides in Africa," said the Ghana boss.
Source: Football365
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