Derek Boateng says the Black Stars are ready to face Niger

Derek Boateng says the Black Stars are battle ready to put Niger to the sword when the two clash in Monday’s crucial group B game in Port Elizabeth.

The Ghanaians will be desperate for the maximum point to ensure they win and top the group to remain in the windy city of the East Cape Province.

Monday’s meeting at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium will be the 12^th game between the two sides with the Ghanaian winning 9 times, losing one and one ending in a draw.

The physical and defensive prowess of the Nigeriens will pose the major headache for Kwesi Appiah’s men, but the Dnipro ace is confident they will rise to the occasion.

“We are very worried because we watched them play against Mali and Congo and they played a very physical game,” Boateng said

‘They are very tough, discipline on the field, always at the right place and at the right time.

“We know that it’s going to be easy. We’re prepared and training very hard.

“We are also there and ready for them because we know every country playing against Ghana want to play very tough. Not only them, all the teams.

“We know that it’s not going to be easy for us. We have to work very hard to win. This game is going to more difficult.

“We know that by the grace of God we’re going to win the game.”

The Black Stars will meet debutants Cape Verde in the quarter-finals if they negotiate the tie against the Menas.