Even though both sides bagged maximum points in the group stage, Ghana and Ivory Coast now have to battle for the African Cup of Nations third place as an utmost target. The African powerhouses will clash in Kumasi after they failed to set up a dream final, following defeats by Cameroon and Egypt respectively. The third-place playoff match follows the semi-finals ties by less than 48 hours, much to the frustration of Ghana coach Claude LeRoy. "It is complete nonsense, there is no regeneration in 48 hours," said the French manager. "Maybe one day the people in charge of football in Africa will understand to put this game on the same day as the final to respect the players." Despite his failure to lead the host nation to the final, LeRoy has been given a vote of confidence by the Ghana FA, and is set to extend his contract in charge of the Black Stars. LeRoy might be giving the opportunity to some reserve players in the squad, as Harrison Afful, Ahmed Barusso and Nana Asare are tipped for a start. Laryea Kingston is unlikely to feature after he picked up an injury while warming up against Cameroon, but captain John Mensah is free to play after serving a one-match ban.
LeRoy On the other hand, the Elephants of Ivory Coast are still wounded after they suffered a shocking 4-1 defeat at the hands of holders Egypt on Thursday. The CAN 2006 runner-up saw their title dreams shattered by the Pharaohs for the second time running, and now they have to settle for a lower rank. However, talismanic captain Didier Drogba has not given up on the African title. "Straight after the game I was already thinking about 2010 because, until I play my last game, I will do everything in my power to bring the Cup to Ivory Coast," Drogba told reporters. "Even if we don't win, I think we are building something which is strong. I hope the federation and everybody in Ivory Coast will keep up the standard we've reached." Manager Gerard Gili could be resting some key players like Drogba, Aruna Dindane and Yaya Toure, who almost played every game since the start of the competition. Boubacar Sanogo, Arouna Kone and Romaric could be given a starting role at Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday.
