Ashley Cole to play in Ghana

Ashley Cole has accepted an invitation to play in a friendly charity in Ghana, organised by his team-mate Michael Essien to raise awareness of the need for peace in Africa.

Essien had hoped that John Terry would play in the Peace Game, between African and Rest of the World XIs, but the prospect of the Chelsea and England captain doing so appears unlikely. It remains to be seen whether Cole does play but Essien appears to be counting him in.

Cole is rumoured to be in line to captain the Rest of the World XI, which could contain the Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda. The Africa team is set to include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o of Internazionale, and Manchester City's Touré brothers, Kolo and Yaya. Kolo is currently suspended after he tested positive for a "specified substance".

"If you look at Africa, the biggest names are Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba and the Touré brothers," Essien said.

"They have all confirmed. I am still talking to a few more. Ashley Cole is coming down and Malouda will come down as well. So the people should expect some world-class players in Ghana. They will see ex-players and current players, they are all coming down."

Essien, who is an African Union peace ambassador, said he has "spoken to Paolo Maldini and many other great players". George Weah, the former world player of the year, now 44, is expected to feature.

"We just want to raise awareness about peace in Africa and, hopefully, we can generate funds for African Union projects," Essien said.

"Football is a very big thing in Africa, people love football, so it's always good to deliver the message through football. Hopefully, this game will help to bring peace in Africa because if you look at what has happened in Ivory Coast and Libya, it's not good. It's time for Africa to stand up and make peace with each other, stop the fighting, put the guns down and love each other."

Essien also confirmed that he had ended his exile from the Ghana national team. "I am available for selection against Congo in June," he said. "I want to help my country qualify for the next African Nations Cup. They have done more than well during my absence and it shows how good the squad is. The Black Stars are not a one-man team."