Ghana are preparing for their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against hosts Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, and one of the most important members of the squad has been singing the praises of his attacking team-mate.

Jonathan Mensah has been a defensive pillar at the back for the Black Stars, and speaking to the press ahead of the semi-finals, the defender singled out Everton striker Atsu as a key man for the side.

Mensah revealed, “We all know what Atsu can do, it really helps to have difference makers. He’s got a special role in the team, he does what he wants to do and he’s picking up from day one. We’re just happy he’s on fire now and he’s going to help the team.”

The questions were focused on resources in attack for Ghana, due to the fact that team captain Asamoah Gyan looks doubtful for the semi-final after sustaining a blow to the stomach from goalkeeper Naby Yattara in the final minutes of his side’s 3-0 quarter-final defeat of Guinea.

Mensah addressed issues of the lack of game time at club level for Atsu, who is on loan at Everton from Chelsea, providing an explanation for his revitalisation in the Ghana first team.

“The feeling is different when he’s playing for Everton. We just let him do what he does best, it’s a different team altogether,” he said. “This Ghana team doesn’t have a particular goalscorer, we all score if given the opportunity, that’s something that will really help us.”

Despite his confidence in Atsu, Mensah returned to the subject of skipper Gyan, who could be absent for the key match against the hosts.

“On and off the pitch Gyan is the leader, he’s the captain of the team and whenever he’s on the pitch he proves that he’s a real leader,” Mensah revealed.

“He’s one of the top strikers in Africa so whenever he’s on the pitch it’s like a plus two for the team. He’s a great leader and even when he doesn’t score, or even get the opportunity to score, he’s constantly working for the team. He’s the main man and we’re happy to have him,” he concluded.