Mali coach Patrice says he will change his tactics for the Ghana clash

Mali will make changes to their tactics to enable them beat Ghana when the two sides clash in a crucial match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations match in Thursday.

The Eagles have an early advantage in Group B thanks to their 1-0 win over Niger in their opening game of the group on Sunday.

The victory means they top of group on three points after Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by DR Congo at the group’s Port Elizabeth venue.

The Black Stars are chasing a victroy against Mali to ease their fears of reaching the second round of the competition in South Africa.

Mali were very offensive in their match against Niger who took a defensive approach in Sunday’s match.

The two sides are no strangers – they met twice at the Africa Cup of Nations last year, with Ghana winning the Group D game 2-0 and Mali claiming third spot in the play-off with a victory by the same margin.

With the Black Stars regarded as one of the best teams in the tournament coupled with their offensive style of play, Mali coach says Patrice Carteron he will change his formation to be able to get a result against the Ghanaians.

“Of course [we'll change tactics]. We knew the game against Niger would be complicated against a very defensive team,” Patrice Carteron said.

“This time it will be different. Against Ghana last year, the team lost easily 2-0 and so we want to show that Malian football is improving.

“We can play well against the best teams in Africa – like Ghana and Ivory Coast – and to get a result would be fantastic.

“All the players are motivated but I will make some small changes because for me Ghana is a better team than Niger.”