Algeria star Nabil Bentaleb has refused to respond to Ghana winger Andre Ayew's recent comments and says he will do all his talking on the pitch.
The Black Stars lost their opening match 2-1 to the Teranga Lions, while Algeria also came from behind to beat South Africa 3-1, setting up an intriguing clash between the two sides on Friday.
Ayew remains confident Ghana can see off Algeria despite their disappointing first game in the competition, but Bentaleb declined the chance to respond.
“It will be a very difficult game. We will have to stay focused and keep the same mindset displayed against South Africa. We know we can do better,” Bentaleb said in a pre-match press conference.
“Ayew is allowed to speak. He can say what he wants. We only focus on ourselves and we do not give importance to others. We know that it is the pitch which will decide.”
The west Africans need at least a draw to keep their hopes alive in the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
