Ghana captain Jordan Opoku stays optimistic about reaching the second round stage of the African Nations Championship despite three teams from the group chasing two qualifying slots.

There qualifying race remains wide open ahead of the decisive final round matches in Group C with Ghana, Libya and Congo in the qualifying hut while Ethiopia has no chance of advancing.

Opoku and his teammates will come up against Ethiopia on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium, aware that they need a positive result to set-up a quarter-final with any of Group D's potential candidates, Burundi, Gabon or DR Congo.

“Everyone is working very hard. There is determination and focus. Everyone has set his mind to that, it wont be an easy game,” the Ghana captain said.

“When you a meet a team that has not recorded a single point, it tends to be difficult. But it depends on us and how we focus on that game [match with Ethiopia].”

Ghana are joint-top in Group C with and Libya, on four points apiece while Congo remain third and a point behind in the tournament exclusive to players based in their home countries.

“Nothing comes easy. But we have assume that it will be a tough challenge. If we work together as a team, we can make it. The moral in the group in very great.”

Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu will go into the game without suspended attacker Yahaya Mohammed who got his side's goal against Libya in the 1-1 draw.

However, Opoku believes it presents an opportunity for other members of the squad to stake a claim for places and help push the team into the next round.

“I am hopeful that in the absence of Yahaya [Mohammed], the other players can step in and prove themselves. It's an opportunity for them and we need to give them that confidence that they can make a difference for us.

“I believe we will get a result that will take us through to the next stage. I have belief in the players that they can help us through,” Opoku said.