Ghana go into semi without captain

Claude Le Roy, Ghana coach, has admitted it will be difficult to adjust his defence but has hinted Michael Essien might be used at centre back against formidable Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o.

Essien has scored twice in the last two games with his strong runs from the centre of midfield.

“It’s a big blow but we have to get on with it.” Sulley Muntari, Ghana midfielder

The tournament hosts also face the possibility of doing without striker Asamoah Gyan, who was injured in Sunday’s quarter-final.

Le Roy, a Nations Cup winner with Cameroon 20 years ago, has already branded his team ‘heroes’ but will need them to show even more determination against a combative Cameroon.

The Indomitable Lions were written off after a 4-2 defeat by Egypt in their opening group game but have since stormed back with 11 goals in three games, including an extra-time winner against Tunisia in Monday’s quarter-final in Tamale.

Cameroon get physical

Under German coach Otto Pfister, Cameroon’s playing style is more about physical power than finesse but it has been effective.

Striker Eto’o became the highest scorer in Africa Cups of Nations history at this tournament although he did not get a goal on Monday.

“It’s not easy to play a team like Cameroon, they are physically very strong,” Roger Lemerre, Tunisia coach, said after his side were knocked out by Pfister’s men.

Cameroon are in their first Cup of Nations semi-final since winning the tournament in 2002, while Ghana are through to the final four for the first time since 1996.

Both countries have won four previous African Cup titles, one less than record-holders Egypt.

Egypt meet the Ivory Coast in Thursday’s other semi-final in Kumasi.