By Mohammed Allie in Kumasi

Ghana's second city Kumasi has gone football crazy ahead of the quarter-final clash in the African Cup of Nations between 1996 champions South Africa and four-time winners and co-hosts Ghana.

Radio phone-in programmes have been inundated with callers offering advice and predictions on the final score while all the talk around the city is focused on Sunday's big clash.

Kumasi's residents are fully behind the home team - but the South Africans also have a significant level of support after earning a place in the affections of the city over the past fortnight.

Uppermost in the minds of the Black Stars of Ghana is to avenge their 3-0 defeat in the semi-final of the 1996 African Cup of Nations.

In three previous meetings South Africa have won twice with the other match ending in a goalless draw - all three games were played in South Africa.

Famous defeat

Speaking at the team's camp in Kumasi, Ghanaian captain Charles Akunnor revealed his intense disappointment at losing to Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg.

"I really wanted to reach the final to be able to shake Nelson Mandela's hand because he's my hero," he said.

"However, we lost and I wasn't able to do that. Now we have to take revenge for that loss.

"I know the South Africans are a strong side and we have lots of respect for them but we are confident that with the Kumasi crowd behind us we will be able to overcome them."

Akunnor admitted that he had not been at his best during the tournament but pleaded for patience from the team's passionate fans.

"Everyone is trying his best. I've been surprised by the criticism the team has received from the local fans."

Local hero

The match has special significance for Black Stars defender and local boy Samuel Ossei Kuffour.

"I'm from Kumasi so I know all about playing in the stadium. I'm hoping my mom and other members of the family will be able to come and watch us," said Kuffour who started his career with Kumasi club Fantasy in 1983.

Black Stars coach Guiseppe Dossena was in a relaxed mood ahead of Sunday's clash. "I am confident that my players will rise to the occasion. I know what they are capable of and they owe it to their country to deliver the goods."

Dossena said he wouldn't be fooled by South Africa's lacklustre performance in their 1-all draw against Algeria on Wednesday. "That was a friendly match. I was at the stadium and certainly didn't learn anything from it."

Treble chance

The South Africans are equally confident about advancing to their third successive semi-final appearance at the tournament.

"We know Sunday is the big one," said defender Mark Fish. "If we can overcome that hurdle we'll be on our way to the final - I'm sure of that.

"But it won't be easy. They will have the home crowd behind them but we will have lots of experience on our side.

"Having won the tournament in 1996 and reaching the final in 1998 has set the standard. We have several members of the 96 winning team here so that will stand us in good stead."

Upbeat Moloto

South African coach Trott Moloto was equally confident about his team's chances.

"We seem to be peaking at the right time," he said. "We have watched Ghana very closely and have a plan in place to defeat them."

The South Africans will be hoping their midfield strongman Eric Tinkler passes a late fitness test after being forced to leave field during Wednesday's group match against Algeria with a hamstring strain.