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The build up to the African Cup of Nations was centered on the group stage clash between Ghana and Ivory Coast in Cabinda. Though scheduled to have been the second match for both sides, events over the past few days in the Angolan enclave has changed the fixture arrangements. For the Ivorians, it goes as planned but for the Black Stars, it�s their first run out in Angola after their first match was abandoned following Togo's exit from the competition in the wake of last Friday's deadly gun attack on the team bus. The attack has certainly cast a shadow over the competition though both sides will attempt to hand out a thrilling clash to enable the tournament live up to its billing as they players cope under strict security. "We and Togo are like brothers, it's painful what happened," Ghana�s Andre Ayew said to the BBC's African sports programme Fast Track over the happenings in Cabinda. "Everyone was afraid I think, it got to a point where you think about your security, but the people here assured us, our big men assured us, and for us it was much easier [to stay] than for the Togolese," Ayew added. However, events of the past will need to be blanked as the tough nature of Group B heads into the concluding stages for the Ivorians, who would be wrapping up their group campaign in the three-team group in Cabinda after drawing goalless on Monday against Burkina Faso. "When you are on the field you forget about everything and everyone needs to fight for a position in the quarter-finals," Ayew told the BBC.The level of expectation is expected to be high with as Ghana aim to advance to the quarter-finals. "[Ivory Coast are] a great team, they are the favourites in this tournament no doubt, so we have to give them respect - but we all want to succeed for our nation."