Sellas Tetteh has challenged his Ghana U20 team to raise their game against Gabon and deliver a first leg victory to enhance their chances of reaching the 2015 Africa Youth Championship.
The Black Satellites will host the first leg of the final round at the Accra Stadium on Sunday at 15:00GMT as they attempt to take the first step to reaching the finals.
After winning silver at the previous competition, Sellas is determined to see Ghana make the finals again as he exudes enough confidence in his team.
"I believe we have a chance because we have been preparing well," Tetteh said.
"However, it is difficult to know how much better the Gabon team will be. We have reached an important stage in the qualifying campaign where every minute could turn things around for you either good or bad.
"We have a big challenge but that should only serve as motivation for us. The most important thing is taking the three points and defending well."
Having already been impressed with his preparations, Sellas admits that a competitive fixture always throws up something different.
"At this stage every side is a favourite. It's just 180 minutes over both legs but the work that goes into it is massive. We will be up for it just like our opponents,Gabon, so we know the dangers ahead," he said.
The winner of the two-leg third round qualifier will advance to the finals to be staged by Senegal.
Seven winners will join hosts, Senegal for the Championship slated for 8-22 March 2015.