Former Margate striker Kwesi Appiah is preparing for the biggest game of his life when Ghana face hosts Equatorial Guinea in the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup on Thursday.

The 24-year-old, now with Crystal Palace, but on loan at League 2 side Cambridge United, scored one and made another in his first start for his country as Ghana beat Guinea 3-0 on Sunday.

It''s the country's fifth successive appearance in the last four, as they seek their first win in the competition since 1982.

Appiah was involved in the move for two-goal Christian Atsu's fourth minute opener, and scored the second just before half-time, punishing a poor clearance by a Guinea defender.

His call-up for the tournament means he has missed out on Cambridge United's FA Cup fourth round replay against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.