A second west African derby is about to hit Group D as the Black Stars and the Eagles lock horns to earn a slot at the knockout stage of the 2012 Afcon

The two teams are familiar with each other. Three years ago, Ghana and Mali squared off in a World Cup qualifying group that saw the Ghanaians beating their Malian opponents and drawing in the return leg. Les Aigles feel that the opportune time has come to gain revenge against the Black Stars on a bigger platform as the two get set for a second Group D west African derby. In the first all west African clash, Mali beat Guinea 1-0.

Both teams have the chance to progress to the knockout stages with a win on Saturday. The four-time African champions will be without two key defenders – John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah – both serving suspensions.

Coach Goran Stevanovic will probably start young defenders Jonathan Mensah and John Boye in the absence of their captain. It is, however, unclear whether key striker Asamoah Gyan, who limped out of training on Thursday with a suspected ankle complaint, will be able to make it for Saturday’s crucial clash.