Essien makes first training appearance

(From William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Cabinda, Angola, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Cabinda, Angola, Jan. 15, GNA - Ghana's midfield general, Michael Essien made his first training appearance on Thursday evening less than 24 hours of the Group B game against Cote d'Ivoire in the ongoing 27th Edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Essien, who joined his colleagues in camp on Wednesday morning, went through the entire training session on Thursday as the Black Stars tuned up for the crucial game against their neighbours at the Estado Nacionale De Chaizi in Cabinda on Friday.

Head coach, Milovan Rajevic is however still sticking to his guns that he has to conduct further assessment of the player before giving him the nod to play on Friday.

He said even though the player had some few training sessions with his Club, Chelsea before joining his colleagues he has to confirm his fitness level. Coach Rajevic said at a press conference on Thursday evening.

Coach Rajevic reiterated that he has equally good materials to take up the role of Essien in midfield, adding that his team is an all round one and they are ready for the task. A monitoring exercise conducted by the GNA Sports on Thursday saw the player actively participating at training with his colleagues indicating signs of his total recovery. It will therefore not be a surprise if Essien finally makes an entry into the final team that will take on the Ivorians on Friday evening. This will surely add more strength to the team as there seem to be a possible pair of Essien and Agyeman Badu in midfield. Essien, it would be recalled failed to join the team last Monday, after missing a flight from London to Angola. The ace midfielder was ruled out of the game against Togo after he had a hamstring injury in the English premiership. 14 Jan. 10