Ghana are determined to finish off at the Africa Cup of Nations with a win as they meet Mali for the fourth time in the last two finals.

Last year, both sides were paired in the same group and ended up in the third place play-off which Mali won to finish third.

The two sides meet yet again at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth with kick off at 18:00 GMT.

But for Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, his team can overcome the semi-final setback and avoid a repeat of last year's loss to Mali.

“All the players are picking up themselves,” Appiah said on Friday in Port Elizabeth. “They have been motivating themselves and we have been talking to them.”

“Last year, we had the same problem and at the moment, the spirit has risen and is good. We are looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

“I think the third-place game is really important for everyone. I would go out there with the best team to represent the nation.”

Mubarak Wakaso, the tournament's joint top scorer with four goals is equally optimistic that Ghana can win over Mali to at least placate their fans.

“What happened two days ago [defeat to Burkina Faso in semi-finals] is part of the game,” Wakaso said.

“As a sportsman, you have to accept defeat. Although we were not expecting that, we got it. We have another game ahead and that is the game that we can use to calm things.”

Ghana will be without John Pantsil, who suffered a hamstring injury in the last four match on Wednesday. Also, the Black Stars will miss midfielder Rabiu Mohammed through suspension.