MTNFootball

Andre Dede Ayew of Ghana

Ghana will clash with Mali in the top-of-the-table clash in Group D of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday as both sides eye their places in the knock-out stage of the competition.

The two sides won their opening matches on Tuesday which has given them the advantage in the group that includes Botswana and Guinea.

The Black Stars, who were tipped as pre-tournament favourites, got off to a shaky start as they struggled to beat a well-drilled Botswana side 1-0.

Mali, on the other hand, were impressive when they beat an  entertaining Guinea side 1-0 and they are hoping to repeat a similar performance against Ghana.

The Black Stars know they have to improve their performance if they are to beat Mali.

Ghana will play the game without  captain John Mensah who is suspended after being sent-off in the game against Botswana while key striker Asamoah Gyan is struggling with an ankle injury.

Stevanovic, who watched the Eagles in their opener against Guinea, admits that the Malians are a threat to their ambitions of reaching the second phase of the competition.

"Mali showed they are an experienced team, they know how to defend and attack and capitalize on the mistakes of opponents. It is a very dangerous team," Stevanovic said.

"It is a young team and wants to show they have quality."

Mali coach Alain Giresse has no major worries and will counting on Barcelona star Seydou Keita, Cedric Kante, Ousmane Berthe, Modibo Maiga and Bakaye Traore to dislodge the four-time continental champions.

"Ghana is a very strong team and will be a big mistake to underestimate them. They have quality players and our aim will be to get all three points from them," Giresse said at his team's base in Bongoville.

Ghana recorded a double over the Eagles in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, the last time the two sides met.

A win for either side will boost their quarter-final qualification chances.