Essien Wants To Face Drogba In A Ghana-Ivory Coast Final

Chelsea team-mates Michael Essien and Didier Droigba would line up on opposing sides in Essien's 'dream' final of the African Cup of Nations.

Both Ghana and Ivory Coast won their opening group matches in the African Cup of Nations, keeping alive the possibility that the Black Stars could meet the Elephants in the final. And that is a p[rospect that appeals to Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

He would love to meet his Stamford Bridge buddy Didier Drogba, who captains Ivory Coast, in the final.

Essien's Ghana, who are hosting the tournament, secured a win in their opening game of the tournament when they beat Guinea 2-1 on Sunday evening.

Afterwards, midfielder Essien told Setanta of the burden of expectations that comes with being hosts:

“People think Ghana are favourites because we are playing at home but it doesn’t guarantee a win in any competition in the world,” Essien said.

“It is added pressure for the team but we are ready to fight to be champions. We have shown it during the first game against Guinea by playing until the end.”

Portsmouth star Sulley Muntari produced the stunning late finish by which Ghana defeated Guinea, but Essien, 25, is confident of getting beyond the group stages.

“If we watch the other groups and analyse the other teams, I think that our major ivals are Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Nigeria and Egypt. The winner will come from that quintet,” he said.

“A final against the Ivorians and with Didi [Didier Drogba] in the attacking lines would be a great battle on the field. Most of the players know each other from playing in Europe and it would make the game more intense.

“In the last few days at Chelsea Drogba told me to prepare myself because he is not going to offer us anything if we play each other in the Cup.

“The positive thing is that I know him well and I know some of his defects,” he said.