Ghana go in search of a second successive win at the Africa Cup of Nations but coach Kwesi Appiah says Niger will be their toughest group opponents.
The Black Stars are top in the Group B standings after making a marked improvement in their 1-0 win against Mali following an opening 2-2 draw in Port Elizabeth with DR Congo.
But Appiah's side will be up against a Nigerien side seeking their first win at the finals on Monday.
“We’ve played two games and for me the next game is the most difficult one,” Appiah said.
“Looking at the Niger team, they are tactically very disciplined and I see it as a game that will be very difficult for us and for that reason we need to prepare very well.”
A win for Ghana would ensure top place in the group and a quarter-final in Port Elizabeth on February 2 against the runners-up from Group A.
“I have total confidence in my players and so far they are doing very well. I always believe in taking match after match and see how it goes,” the Ghana coach said.