Ghana and Nigeria have both reached the semi-final of the African Nations Cup on the back of a rather difficult start to the competition in Angola.

With a squad deprived of many key players through injury, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has had rely heavily on a host of young players.

After their opening loss to Ivory Coast in Cabinda, the Black Stars made up of twelve Nations Cup debutants have have improved beating Burkina Faso and hosts, Angola to come this far.

Ghana is chasing its first appearance in the African Nations Cup final since 1992 with the last title success coming 28 years ago.

“We have to be cautious in the game and execute our strategy with the needed perfection," said Ghana's Milovan Rajevac ahead of Thursday's match in Luanda.

As host in 2008, Ghana reached the semi-finals by beating Nigeria 2-1 but Rajevac says he expects a stronger performance from the Super Eagles, who have also struggled in the competition.

“Though they (Nigeria) did not play so well in the game against Zambia, it will be a big mistake to conclude that they will repeat the same performance in the next game against Ghana,” Rajevac said.

"Nigeria is an experienced team and the match will be tough because it is a semifinal," he added.

For Rajevac's opposite number, Shaibu Amodu, Nigeria needs to introduce new faces and get their act together as he would be without defender Onyekachi Apam, who is suspended.

"There will be a need to introduce fresh legs," Amodu said.

"Unlike Ghana, we went through 120 minutes and penalties on Monday and we spent the whole of Tuesday travelling from Lubango to Luanda, and we just have to counter that.

"Yet if we get our house in order, there will be no problems. We need to sharpen our attack and stabilize the midfield, these were our greatest worries against Zambia. I have looked at my bench, we have some depth in defence. I need to introduce two or three fresh legs."

The winner will meet whoever wins the clash between Algeria and Egypt in Benguela in the final on Sunday in Luanda.