Ghana deputy captain Andre Ayew is a doubt for the second group game against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations after coming down with Malaria.

Ayew, who scored the winning goal for the Black Stars in a 1-0 win over Uganda, could miss the meeting against the West Africans unless he recovers from the Malaria that has knocked him down over the last 24 hours.

Given his growing influence in the team, the West Ham midfielder is expected by Ghana medics to recover fully for the match against the Malians given the stakes.

Three points will ensure passage into the quarter final of the Nations Cup for the sixth straight tournament. Ayew himself could join Osei Kofi as leading goal scorers in Nations Cup history for Ghana if he finds the next after joining Asamoah Gyan on seven with the goal against Uganda.

But Black Stars boss Avram Grant would be more concerned about what his availability will mean for the entire team.