ACCRA (Reuters) - Ousted hosts Ghana will bid to put their disappointment behind them when they face Ivory Coast in Saturday's African Nations Cup third-place playoff.

The Black Stars, who bowed out of the tournament with a 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cameroon on Thursday, were inconsolable afterwards but vowed to battle against the Ivorians.

"It's not the game we wanted but we'll do our best as it's better to finish third than fourth," said midfielder Andre Ayew before the game at Kumasi's Baba Yara stadium (5:00 p.m. British time).

Ghana welcome back captain John Mensah, who was suspended for the semi-final after picking a red card in the 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the previous round.

However, striker Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Laryea Kingston are doubtful with injuries.

Ivory Coast, thrashed 4-1 by champions Egypt on Thursday, are likely to be without injured keeper Boubacar Barry who was replaced by Stephane Loboue before halftime in the semi-final.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Ken Ferris)