Stephen Keshi hopes tonight's clash with Uruguay in Salvador will not be marred by poor refereeing decisions.

At a press conference, there were suggestions that the South Americans might try to con the match officials if they were given a chance.

''I do not have the ability to tell the referees to officiate the game. I can only focus on having the players ready for the match.

''They have to be wiser and focus. The referee can also make mistakes, he is a human being too.

''But hope there is fair play on the field in Fonte Nova,'' Keshi told reporters.

Thursday's match at  Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador, Bahia) will be officiated by Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers.

The 40 - year - old will be assisted by compatriots Sander van Roekel and Erwin Zeinstra while Portuguese Pedro Proença is the fourth official.