[Kofi Addae, GNA Special Correspondent in Bata, Equatorial Guinea]

Bata, Feb 6, GNA – Ghana’s Black Stars are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to go farthest at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations after booking their place to the semi finals.

The Black Stars are due to face Zambia on Wednesday in Bata, the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea, after brushing past the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 2-1 after extra time in a highly tempered game on Sunday evening in Libreville.

Sequel to the victory, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) dispatched its Technical Director, Francis Oti-Akenteng to spy on the Chipolopolos, who are the toast of the local fans here in Bata in response to their impressive campaign so far.

Oti-Akenteng was at the Estadio de Bata last Saturday to watch the Zambia-Sudan quarter final clash and will pass on the bits on the Zambian team to head coach Goran Stevanovic, when he arrives with the team later on Monday.

The veteran trainer told GNA Sports he had earlier carried out such tactical assignments for the earlier games, which proved fruitful and beneficial to the team.

The Chipolopolos handled by Herve Renard, a backroom staff of the Black Stars four years ago, has emerged as one of the strongest sides at the tournament and Oti-Akenteng reckons a tough outing when the two sides lock horns for a place at the final.

“It will be tough for both sides. Having watched the Zambians, they are very technical and tactical with some talented players.

“I, however, believe we have an edge over them and that will make the difference.”

The Black Stars are poised to lay their hands on the Holy Grail of African football for the first time since 1982.