PRETORIA, South Africa (AFP) — Ghana’s Sulley Muntari believes his compatriots can reach the World Cup semi-finals despite the absence of injured Michael Essien.

“After what we did in 2006 (when the Africans reached the second phase), expectations are sky-high and we will try to satisfy our supporters by giving it our absolute best shot,” said the Inter Milan player star.

Muntari is coming back from injury but still hopes to play a big part in his country’s campaign as they go up against Germany, Serbia and Australia in Group D.

“We want to get out of our group and get to the semi-finals or even further,” said Muntari.

“Germany are the group favourites and so it will doubtless come down to Serbia — we don’t know quite what to expect against them, but we know they are a good team. Our goal is to produce good football,” said Muntari, who is coming back from a thigh injury but expects to be fit to feature against the Serbs on Sunday.

The Ghanaians have meanwhile decided to switch their headquarters from Pretoria to Sun City just outside Rustenburg, a delegation official announced, citing unspecified “unresolved technical problems.”

Later yesterday, Ghana defeated a local youth side 4-0 with all the players, barring Muntari, taking part.

Ghana’s Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac has already targetted the second round.

“The most important thing is for us to qualify for the last 16. We have a reputation for starting tournaments slowly, but I believe that’s a thing of the past.”

Rajevac is looking forward to facing his own country of Serbia in the first match.

“I am 100 percent Ghanaian. I am a professional, my primary target is to win against Serbia and to qualify.”