If the Ivory Coasts tournament so far could be summed up in one word, it would be wasteful. After failing to convert numerous goal scoring opportunities against Burkina Faso, Vahid Halilhodi?s side go into their encounter with Ghana knowing defeat could result in the unthinkable; a group exit.And the Black Stars are hardly the side you would be keen to play with pre sure on you for a victory. A ruthle s team with brutal athleticism, compounded with skill in abundance, Ghana have lifted the African Cup of Nations four times in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. However, Maxi Kleber Jersey these past glories are now only fading memories, something which Michael E sien and his side are looking to put right, starting with victory against the Elephants.Didier Drogba will be looking to catapult his side into the quarter-finalsIn contrast, despite their disappointing opening draw with Burkina Faso, the Ivoirians enter the game knowing that a victory will see them through to the quarter-finals. And if Ghana show any signs Willie Cauley-Stein Jersey of the shakine s that almost saw them fall at the first hurdle in the qualifying stages, the Ivory Coast will punish them. Milovan Rajevics side comprises of predominantly younger players, most of whom are from their succe sful U-20 squad. This exuberant youth, together with the drive and experience of players such as Michael E sien and Matthew Amoah, forms a tough unit which could po sibly end the hopes of the pre-tournament favourites. Seth Curry Jersey Perhaps the area that the Ivory Coast will look to exploit the most will be Ghanas vastly inexperienced defence. Youngsters such as Harrison Afful and Lee Addy form part of their back line, and with the skill of stars such as Kone and Gervinho hugging the touchline, they could be in for a busy night.Coach Vahid Halilhodzic will be keen for his side to get off to an early startWith no defensive worries, it seems likely that Halilhodi? will stick with the same back four that comfortably nullified any Burkinabe attack on Monday, although changes will almost certainly be made to the rest of the starting XI. Didier Drogba is expected to keep his place, although his partner up front could be any one from four: Kalou, Kone, Gervinho, or Dindane. Whilst the Bosnian maestro has the luxury of a selection headache, Rajevic has quite the opposite. Injuries have taken their toll on Stephen Appiah, John Mensah and Laryea Kingston all influential Tyrell Terry Jersey players whilst Chelseas Michael E sien is rated at 60/40 following a recent hamstring injury.Ghanas Michael E sien is rated as doubtful for the encounterHowever, the Serbian isnt fazed by the daunting task facing them. He told Luka Doncic Jersey football365.com, We want to win this competition, but this first game is going to be interesting pitting our very young team against one of the best and most experienced sides in Africa.On paper, the Ivory Coast should have enough to overcome an injury-ravaged Ghanaian side. But the same was said before the Burkina Faso encounter, and we all know what happened therePrediction: Ivory Coast 2-1 Ghana