John Paintsil says Ghana expects a tough challenge for qualifying from Group D of the 2012 African Cup of Nations ahead of the clash with Guinea.

The Black Stars clash with Sylli National at the Stade de Franceville and must avoid a 4-0 defeat to reach the quarter-finals.

Guinea, after hammering Botswana 6-1, are in the running for one of the two qualifying places with Mali also in contention though both teams are three points behind the Black Stars going into today's matches.

"The next game is about as big a test as the opening two matches," Paintsil told www.ghanafa.org.

"By the qualification format, we are not yet there. The two matches are taking place at the same time and we can't guarantee the outcome of the other result which means we need to fight for our place."

But Paintsil does not need reminding that the final group fixture represents another tough challenge for Ghana.

"They [Guinea] will come in strongly after their score-line the last time but we are not focusing on that result. This is a new game that we are all pushing for. We are very, very determined to win and win in every other game."