Defender John Pantsil will captain Ghana against Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations group match on Saturday night.

The Leicester City right-back has been handed the armband following the suspension of John Mensah.

The 29-year-old first skippered the Black Stars in September against Swaziland at home during the qualifiers.

But Pantsil says the stakes are high this time and he must live up to expectations.

“Yes, I have done it before but this is different level. It is a Nations Cup and the whole world is watching.

“I have been with Stephen Appiah and then John Mensah so I have learnt a lot to be successful.

“We don’t call ourselves favourites at this tournament. We are here to compete.

“Like we always say God helps those who help themselves so we are helping ourselves so that God will see us through.”

Pantsil is one of the two experienced players in the Black Stars line -up with four Nations Cup finals appearances under his belt.