Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has reminded his team-mates they will be carrying the hopes of an entire continent when they take on the United States in their crucial Group E clash on Thursday.

Ratomir Dujkovic's side surprised many with their 2-0 triumph over the Czech Republic last Saturday, and will now meet the US with a possible place in the knockout stages at stake.

Ghana need a win to be sure of qualification, though a draw would be enough for the Black Stars if Italy beat the Czech Republic at the same time.

With Angola, Togo and Ivory Coast already out of contention in their respective groups, Ghana and Tunisia are the only African representatives still able to advance to the next round.

And Fenerbahce midfielder Appiah vowed the Black Stars were determined to make their mark.

"Before coming to Germany I said we are not going to win the tournament but we are here to make a name for ourselves," he told PA Sport.

"We have nothing to lose and this is like a dream coming true.

"And it is not just our country that is happy but all of the African continent," the 25-year-old added.

"I hope we will show another great performance and continue like that. We are committed to our country and to making Africa proud."

It is a heavy load to bear for the Group E underdogs, but Appiah remains calm despite the burden resting on his shoulders.

"We don't feel any pressure," he continued. "We are cool and ready to play. There is no pressure on us."

Ghana will be without the services of Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, who serve one-game bans after picking up their second yellow card last Saturday.

The duo were both on target in the victory over the Czechs, but coach Dujkovic insists their absence will not hinder his side.

"We have two players suspended but we have players who are able to replace them," he stated.

"Anyhow I am optimistic and I still believe the Black Stars can reach the semi-finals."

Dujkovic does not intend to receive score updates from the clash between group leaders Italy and the Czechs in Hamburg.

"Of course we think about the match between Italy and the Czech Republic but if the Black Stars continue to play at this level I am not worried," he added.

"This Black Stars team is not afraid of anyone and they can face every opponent at this moment."

Things will not get any easier should Ghana reach the knockout stages as five-time World Cup winners Brazil await the group runners-up in the next round.

Yet Dujkovic would be happy to face the defending champions.

"We are expecting to play Brazil which would be good for Ghana because we are known as the Brazilians from Africa," he smiled. "It should be a great match.

"But for us at the moment the focus is on the match tomorrow."