The strong sea breeze that blew behind the walls of the Ohene Djan Stadium on Saturday seemed like nothing to the storm brewing on Sunday when rivals Ghana and Nigeria battle it out for a place in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.
Hosts Ghana are definitely two games away from reaching the finals as the Black Stars face a serious test of their title credentials against arch-rivals Nigeria in quarter-final of the Nations Cup on Sunday.
The journey to the final started on January 20 when the Black Stars got the tournament underway.
However on Sunday, Ghana will need to pull another victory at the Ohene Djan stadium when the big game kicks off at 1700 GMT after having recorded three victories in the group phase at the same venue.
It’s more than just a game. But a winner certainly must emerge.
Nigeria, who escaped from Group B on goal difference at the expense of Mali, are bidding for a fifth consecutive semi-final spot.
For players representing both sides, it’s time to the pressure in on as the hype surrounding the game heightens as time approaches to kick off.
However, Ghana’s Sulley Muntari says the Black Stars are keeping a cool head.
“I have maintained since we have been here that we will take one game at a time. That is what we have done so far and I think it’s the same attitude we will need.
“It may have a lot of history but it is another football game with a place at the semi-final stage at stake.” Muntari has scored twice already for Ghana at the Nations Cup and says he will be looking to get on the score sheet again.
“I obviously will love to score but when I play for Ghana it is victory that matters. The most important thing is that the Black Stars will win.”
This is the 60th time the two countries have met, and it is hard to avoid the growing sense of optimism in the Nigeria camp that this meeting will go their way.
"We have the game plan that will ensure that we prick the eyes of the Stars to gather enough clouds to cover their glitter," Nigeria assistant coach Austin Eguavoen said.