James Eastham / 23 January 2010 Free Bet View Market

"Bearing in mind that Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari didn't even travel to Angola and Michael Essien is injured, you have to question whether Milovan Rajevac's side will have the quality and experience to get through."

Not many people gave Angola a prayer before the tournament began, but now Manuel Jose's side are on the brink of reaching the last four for the first time in history.

On the pitch, Angola have been a fantastic host nation: their 4-4 draw against Mali was one of the most remarkable opening games of any major international tournament, and they bounced back from the shock and disappointment of conceding three goals in the final seven minutes of that match to beat Malawi 2-0 before keeping a second consecutive clean against Algeria (0-0) to top Group A.

Ghana's preparations for the game were disrupted on Friday afternoon when Angolan police escorting Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac to a press conference were caught up in a scuffle with a Ghanaian journalist. A fan also ended up injured and in hospital - and when Rajevac finally made it to the press gathering, an hour late, he revealed that during the previous three days Ghana's training sessions had been delayed by 45 minutes because the security staff that needed to accompany his side to training had been late.

All that may be forgotten by the time the Black Stars take to the field - but what won't be forgotten is the way Ghana laboured to a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, conceded three goals against Ivory Coast (3-1) and lost Michael Essien to injury last Sunday. Bearing in mind that captain Stephen Appiah (injured) and Sulley Muntari (dropped) didn't even travel to Angola, you have to question whether Rajevac's side will have the quality and experience to get through.

Angola are slight favourites: they're [1.80] to get through, with Ghana [2.00]. Angola are [2.50] to win in 90 minutes, with Ghana [3.35] and the draw [3.2]. Those prices show how closely matched the sides are, which is why I think this is one game that could go to extra-time. I'm backing the draw at [3.2].

I'd also back both teams to score at [2.00]. Angola may have kept two clean sheets, but memories of their calamitous defending against Mali have not faded. Ghana looked open at the back against Ivory Coast, so the 50-50 price on both teams finding the net is worth a small wager.

Angola have a few injury worries. Flavio (three goals) should be fit but midfielders Santos Zuelo and Dede are both doubtful at the time of writing.

James Eastham says: Back Angola v Ghana draw @ [3.2] (best bet)

Recommended bet: Angola v Ghana both teams to score @ [2.00]