Ghana's qualifying hopes for a place at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations faces a tough test as they prepare for the crucial Group I game against Congo.

The Black Stars, joint-top of the group on four points have a better goal difference ahead of Sudan from their opening two games.

And their opponents in Brazzaville, Congo, on March 27 are just a point behind in the qualifying campaign for a place at the finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

For Serbian coach, Goran Stevanovic, the Congolese would be difficult opponents as he counts on his 24-man squad announced on Monday to get the desired result.

The build-up to the game in the media has been overshadowed by the high-profile friendly against England at the Wembley, coming just two days after on March 29.

But Fred Pappoe, the Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, however, says the Congo match is top priority for the Black Stars who finished runners-up at the 2010 Cup of Nations in Angola.

"For the Ghana Football Association, the Congo game is our number one priority because it is an important and competitive qualifier and we have made that very clear from day one," he told AFP.

"I clearly understand the excitement behind the England match. It is the first time the two countries are meeting at senior level," he said.