Ghana assistant coach Kwesi Appiah has backed his players to deal with the increased expectations ahead of Sunday's clash against Tunisia.

Muntari (r): Key man for Ghana

Ghana face Tunisia in Sunday's quarter-final (kick-off 7pm GMT) as they bid for a first African Nations crown since 1982.

The Black Stars emerged as one of the continent's major forces with an eye-catching run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they were controversially dumped out by Uruguay on penalties.

The Ghanaians made certain of their progress at the African Nations Cup - and top spot in Group D - with a 1-1 draw against Guinea on Wednesday, although their build-up to the clash at the Stade de Franceville has been overshadowed by the death of the mother of midfielder Anthony Annan on Thursday.

Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic has a full squad at his disposal, though, with Annan having opted to play on, and Appiah is convinced his team can cope with the pressure when they face Group C runners-up Tunisia.

"After the World Cup, Ghana's name rose high and we are forgetting that any team coming to play Ghana thinks they are coming up against the best team in Africa and for that matter the preparation and determination is always very high," Appiah said on www.ghanafa.org.

"There is some sort of a little pressure on the players as well. Everyone is expecting so much from them but I believe we can overcome it and put up a very good performance against Tunisia."

Tunisia advanced to the last eight despite going down 1-0 to co-hosts Gabon in their final pool game in Libreville on Tuesday, and coach Sami Trabelsi reckons his team can defeat anyone on their day.

"We are very respectable of Ghana," he said. "They have players who are both talented and experienced, and who can be patient.

"I know all about the selection of the Black Stars. I've seen them play several times. But I also know the Tunisia team.

"I think Tunisia has the quality to beat any opponent. We don't think about the name of the teams."

He added: "My team is ready to go - 100%. I see great motivation in my players. Physically they are in very good shape.

"We want to win this game, trying to play well, but ultimately it does not matter how."

Trabelsi will be without Adel Chedli after the 35-year-old midfielder left the tournament over lack of playing time.