Hosts Equatorial Guinea will be aiming to claim another big scalp on Thursday when they take on Ghana in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash in Malabo.

The National Thunder improved on their best-ever showing at the African showpiece when they defeated Tunisia in a controversial come-from-behind victory in the quarter-finals.

Striker Javier Balboa fired the host nation through to the semi-finals with a crucial brace against Tunisia and is certain to retain his place in the starting line-up. And Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue is relishing taking on the Black Stars, telling CAF Online: "We are pleased with this achievement and to see the country proud.

"But at this stage, anything is possible. We have showed that we can compete at that level and we will go out and do our best against Ghana.

"We prepared well and we have kept our focus and concentration and taken every game one at a time.

"Our fans have also been fantastic and I would like to salute them and the people of Equatorial Guinea for their support.

"We hope to see them in full voice tomorrow and I hope we will continue to do well and get a dream result against Ghana."

Ghana, meanwhile, have been dealt a blow with the news that skipper Asamoah Gyan is set to miss out through injury.

The talismanic forward was injured by Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara in the quarter-finals and has been unable to train this week.

However, there is an outside chance that Gyan will be able to play through the pain barrier on Thursday.

Kwesi Appiah is expected to step into the breach if Gyan is not deemed fit to play.