Essien expected in camp on Wednesday, Annan out

Cabinda, Angola, Jan. 12, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars ace midfielder Michael Essien is expected to join his colleagues by the close of Wednesday, two days head of the crucial Group B game against Cote D'Ivoire. Essien, who was expected in Cabinda, on Monday could not make it after he missed his flight from London to Angola.

Randy Abbey, Spokesperson of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) told the GNA Sports in Cabinda that the player has confirmed his arrival after securing a direct flight from London to Angola for Tuesday and would then make a connection to the oil rich city of Cabinda on Wednesday. Even though the Essien is expected to join the team on Wednesday and possibly train with his colleagues, his chances of featuring in the game seems balanced.


Head coach Milovan Rajevic told the GNA Sports after training on Tuesday morning that the player has just completed his recovery programme from an injury he sustained in the English premiership.


He said he will have to conduct thorough assessment on the player before deciding on his fate on Friday's match.


"For now his chances of playing Friday's game is 50-50, he might start the game, or come in the second half or might not play at all". Rajevic told the GNA Sports.


Coach Rajevic said that he has equally good materials to replace Essien, adding that his team is well prepared for the competition and every member of the playing body will be equal to the task.

The coach, however, noted that the presence of the player will provide an additional strength to the team taking into consideration his vast experience and inspirational role expected of him and was confident that the player will be fit enough to play in the last group game against Burkina Faso in Luanda.


Essien was expected to captain the team in the game against Cote d'Ivoire on Friday, but with his possible absence, keeper Richard Kingson is likely to take his position.


In another development, workaholic midfielder Anthony Annan, has been ruled out of the game against Cote d'Ivoire on Friday due to the recurrence of his injury.


Annan, who was among the regular players battling with injuries ahead of the competition, according to coach Rajevic had his injury resurfaced at training on Monday.


The coach said the midfielder will have to stay off the pitch till he is given clearance by the medical officials as he could not train with the team in the early hours of Tuesday.