Ghana faces a potentially African Nations Cup-defining match when they play Burkina Faso in Luanda on Tuesday.

Milovan Rajevac's side, already affected by player pulls outs due to injury prior to the start of the competition, will go into the game against the Stallions on the back of a disappointing opening result and an injury setback suffered by Michael Essien.

The Black Stars got their campaign off to a stuttering start, losing 3-1 on Friday to Ivory Coast in Group B and need a win to progress to the final eight of the competition.

With the group reduced to three teams due to the withdrawal of Togo following a deadly attack on their team bus last week, the Black Stars have one last opportunity to ensure progress after the defeat in Cabinda.

A defiant Rajevac believes that his team can still turn the corner in the despite the setbacks that has hampered his preparations.

And while Rajevac is optimistic about Ghana's chances, Burkina Faso have no injury worries and are one point better than the Black Stars.

A win for either side would see them through from Group B though a draw for Burkina Faso would be enough to qualify them to the next stage.

Ivory Coast have already gone through from Group B but it is yet to be determined whether they finish first or second.