Equatorial Guinea face Ghana in the second semi-final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday night, and the coach of the host nation, Esteban Becker, believes that his defenders can handle the talented Black Stars attackers.

One of the major narratives revolving around this particular encounter is the potential for doubtful striker Asamoah Gyan to be passed fit to play in the semi-final. The Ghana captain was injured in the quarter-final against Guinea, which they won 3-0, but will face a late fitness test to decide whether he is capable of leading his country’s attack.

Whether or not Gyan is fit to be involved in the match, Becker is not concerned about the calibre of his defenders and whether or not they can handle the selection of Ghanaian attackers who will be desperate to book their ticket to the Nations Cup final.

Speaking to the media, Becker said, “Our players may be unheralded names who play in the second and third leagues but they have played against major players before. Even some of those who play here in Equatorial Guinea have played against big players before.”

“Despite this my defenders have played against Fernando Torres for Spain, then the world champions. Even in this competition they have played against big players, they have marked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.”

The coach’s confidence stems from his belief that his squad are capable of rising to the occasion and reaching heights in football that they are yet to experience.

“The hope is that I can improve this team of young players and help all of them play in top divisions. Even those players who are currently in the B teams of major clubs in Spain, I want them to be knocking at the door, even breaking it down, in order to play in the top leagues,” he added.

The winners of Thursday’s semi-final will come up against Wednesday night’s victors, Cote D’Ivoire in the final of the AFCON on Sunday, after the Ivorians defeated DR Congo 3-1.