Classy Ghana can end fairy tale Cape Verde run

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AFP) – Four-time champions Ghana have hit form at the right time and should end the fairy tale run of Cape Verde when the teams clash Saturday in an Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal.

After struggling in their drawn opening group game against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Black Stars were a different class when easing past Niger 3-0 in one of their best displays in a long time.

However, coach Kwesi Appiah fired a warning shot to title rivals when he said his team are still far from their best.

“We stepped up against Niger but, with 11 debutants at this competition, we can do much better,” said the former international defender.

“There were a few details I was not happy about in our last game, a few cases of tactical indiscipline, but we are about 70% toward our capability now.”

Since 2004, both teams have clashed three times with Ghana posting a perfect record against the Blue Sharks.

Last November, Ghana beat Cape Verde 1-0 in Portugal in a friendly, but Appiah said he would not read too much into that result.

“It won’t be an easy game against a physical, tactically disciplined side like Cape Verde, who have nothing to lose at this stage of the competition,” said the handler.

Ghana will be a full-strength after three injury-hit stars – Mubarak Wakaso, Anthony Annan and Richmond Boakye-Yiadom – returned to training.