Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 10-31 January
Venue: Chiazi National Stadium, Cabinda Date: Friday, 15 January 2010 Kick-off: 1830 GMT Coverage: Live on Eurosport
**Michael Essien’s chances of playing against Ivory Coast have been rated as “50/50” by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac.**Essien joined the squad late after a hamstring problem and the Black Stars have several players out through injury, including Stephen Appiah.
Ivory Coast need a win to guarantee progress to the quarter-finals after they drew 0-0 with Burkina Faso.
“We’re in a very difficult position but still have all the cards in our hands,” said Elephants coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
Should Ivory Coast lose to Ghana, a draw for Burkina Faso against Ghana on Tuesday would be enough to see the pre-tournament favourites crash out.
First round failure at the Africa Cup of Nations could also put serious pressure on the Bosnian coach and may even cost him his chance to lead Ivory Coast at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
But with Essien a doubt the Elephants will be hoping for a positive result.
Rajevac said of the Chelsea midfielder: "For now his chances of playing Friday’s game are 50-50.
“He might start the game, or come in the second half or might not play at all.”
After the delayed start for the Black Stars, following Togo’s withdrawal, Dede Ayew knows Friday’s game is crucial with just three sides left in the group.
“What is good in this group is that with a victory you are qualified, you only have two games and you have to win one at all costs,” the Ghana midfielder told BBC Sport.
Ayew, who helped Ghana win the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt last year, is under no illusion about how tough the opposition will be.
“Ivory Coast are a great team, we know they have great players,” he said.
"They are the favourites for this tournament, no doubt we have to give them that respect.
"But we all know that on the pitch there are no favourites and everyone fights and wants to succeed for our nations.
“This Nations Cup is very important for preparing for the World Cup.”
The Ghanaians have also lost another key player with midfielder Anthony Annan the latest to be ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury in training.
The final Group B fixture between Ghana and Burkina Faso is scheduled for the 50,000-seat 11 November Stadium in the Angolan capital Luanda next Tuesday.