Ghana had to settle for a draw with Malawi in their warm-up for the 2010 African Cup of Nations finals which begins this weekend.

Though Ghana looked by far the sharper and more fluid side on Tuesday night, the Black Stars were held to a goalless draw by the Flames.

The international friendly, the first for the Black Stars this year at Mavuso Sports Centre in Swaziland on Tuesday did not raise any fresh injury concerns for Ghana though Asamoah Gyan pulled out before the game as a precaution.

But Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac will want his side to move up a gear in time for the Nations Cup tournament in Angola as he expects to have some players return to the team and match fit before the opening group match against Togo on January 11 in Cabinda.

The game afforded both sides, finalists at the African Cup of Nations the chance to test their sides.

Ghana, who made the trip to Swaziland from their pre-tournament base in Nelspruit, South Africa will arrive in Angola on Thursday for the start of the 32-fixture competition.