As Avram Grant's Ghana side prepare to face Algeria in Mongomo for Friday's crucial Group C clash, the Black Stars players know that their hopes of staying in the 2015 African Cup of Nations are hanging by a thread.
Four-time winners Ghana were expected to be a major threat in this year's competition, but a surprise 2-1 opening fixture defeat to Senegal - courtesy of a stoppage time goal from Moussa Sow - has left Grant's side in trouble.
"We were comfortable playing that formation"
- Jonathan Mensah
Despite critics suggesting that a change in formation was the reason for Ghana's struggles, defender Jonathan Mensah has suggested that isn't the case, following Monday's defeat. "We were comfortable playing that formation," he said. Mensah added: "We'll do anything that the coach wants us to do on the pitch." Ghana fans know now that they face an uphil struggle to qualify for the quarter-finals, and that they must beat Algeria on Friday.
For tournament favourites Algeria, a last-gasp opening fixture win over South Africa has given them a great chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. The Desert Warriors battled hard in their first game, coming back from 1-0 down to eventually win 3-1 and take all three points, courtesy of a finish from Faouzi Ghoulam, and late goals from Islam Slimani and Thulani Hlatswayo (OG).
FIFA's highest ranked team before the tournament began, Algeria have the chance to book their place in the knockout stages with a win over Ghana on Wednesday, so long as Senegal do not lose in their later game against South Africa. As the competition progresses, Christian Gourcuff's side will grow in confidence - but for now they must focus on overcoming the Black Stars and progressing from Group C.