Essien Boost For Ghana

Injury-ravaged African Nations Cup contenders Ghana have received a welcome boost with the return to full fitness of star player Michael Essien.

Essien tore his hamstring in Chelsea’s Champions League game against APOEL Nicosia on December 9 but resumed full training last week.

The 27-year-old midfielder was due to join up with his Ghana teammates in Angola yesterday, but is doubtful for the Black Stars’ opener against Togo today Essien is expected to be accompanied by a Chelsea doctor, according to a report, Ghana, four time winners of this biennial continental championship, face a tough opening group with favourites Ivory Coast waiting for them after Togo followed by Burkina Faso.

Serb coach Milovan Rajevac has had to contend with a spate of injuries to key personnel, with central defenders John Pantsil and John Mensah and midfielders Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston all ruled out.

The first side from Africa to qualify for the World Cup aside from hosts South Africa Ghana are seeking their first Nations cup title in 28 years.

This appetising World Cup forerunner gets under way in Luanda today  with hosts Angola taking on Mali.