06/02/2008 18:27

Mensah was sent off in the quarter-finals against Nigeria and is banned for the match at Ohene Djan stadium. But midfielder Sulley Muntari said the loss of the central defender won't affect their resolve.

"There's no half measure, we're doing our best to make our supporters happy," Muntari said. "It was a great win against Nigeria, but that's not our objective. Our aim is to win the title."

Ghana coach Claude Le Roy will select either midfielder Michael Essien or the inexperienced Illiasu Shilla to replace Mensah, whom winger Layrea Kingston described as "the pillar at the back."

With Eto'o having scored five goals in four games, Le Roy can't afford to get his decision wrong.

Cameroon started the tournament badly under Otto Pfister, who led Ghana to the 1992 African Cup final where they lost to Ivory Coast. But Cameroon beat Tunisia 3-2 in extra time on Monday to advance.

"For me, it's a real pleasure to address to you my hearty congratulations," Cameroon President Paul Biya said in a statement to the team.

Le Roy guided Cameroon to the 1988 title, meaning both coaches will face their former teams.

"I will put my feelings aside during the 90 minutes," Le Roy said. "I've had great times with Cameroon, but I am now the Ghana coach."

Pfister said he would have "no emotions" about facing his former team.

All-time leading scorer

"I am coach of Cameroon now and my team needs me," the German said.

The Indomitable Lions lost their opening match 4-2 to defending champion Egypt, although Eto'o scored twice and the FC Barcelona is now the African Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

Ghana's defence is weak on crosses and vulnerable to pace and could be susceptible to a player like Eto'o, who is strong in the air and has an electrifying burst of pace over short distances.

Given the way the Black Stars defense struggled against Nigeria's Ayegbeni Yakubu, facing Eto'o without Mensah's physical presence and composure could be a problem.

But playing Essien in defense would weaken the midfield and increase the burden on Muntari.

Muntari has stood out as Ghana's best player and is arguably the star of the tournament. He has scored two spectacular goals and set up both in Sunday's 2-1 win over Nigeria.

The progress of the four-time African Cup champions has captivated Ghana. From the fans who flock to the team hotel for a glimpse of their stars, to the cabinet ministers serving the players their lunch on Tuesday as a gesture of solidarity.

Actually getting food on the dinner table has been somewhat more problematic for Pfister's team.

The Cameroon team were made to wait for more than an hour for its evening meal on Sunday because the hotel chef had reportedly left the kitchen. He only returned after the Black Stars had beaten Nigeria.