Ghana stands a better chance playing Guinea than Mali, says assistant Cameroon coach Ibrahim Tanko

By Ameenu Shardow
Follow on Twitter @alooameenu
Cameroon assistant coach Ibrahim Tank believes Ghana stands a better chance to progress from the quarter finals of the 2015 African Cup of Nations if they face Guinea rather than Mali.

The Black Stars awaits 'drawing of lots' between both sides on Thursday to know their opponent for the first knockout round of the competition being staged in Equatorial Guinea.

Guinea and Mali finished Group D tied on points and on goal difference – and per CAF's regulations for the tournament, qualification will have to be determined through a lucky draw.

But Ibrahim Tanko whose Cameroon team failed to make it out of Group D says he prefers for his country to come up against Guinea than Mali who he believes are a tougher opponent.

“I personally want Ghana to face Guinea due to their style of play,” Tanko told Kessben FM's Frederick Adheampon.

“They [Guinea] play normal football and I think their style will favour Ghana.

“Mali are just like Senegal, they never give up.
“I think Ghana stands a better chance if they face Guinea in the quarter finals.

“But then if it happens Ghana meets Mali, they have to be prepared to face and beat them.

“This is the knockout round and I am very confident that if the team keeps improving as they have done so far, it will be difficult to beat us.”

Ghana played against Guinea during the qualifiers for the 2015 AFCON.

The Black Stars reigned supreme over two legs with a draw in the away game and a 3-1 win in the return encounter.

The Syli National have however been in impressive so far in the competition with their star man Ibrahima Traore already being considered as the player of the tournament.