The Chelsea star completed his closed door sessions in an Accra High Court on Thursday before joining his team mates in Tamale for the journey in Bamako. He is adamant the court schedule will take out his concentration on a game that he says is important the Black Stars do not lose. Ghana top Group D on three points and while Essien has warned that every opponent is a potential threat, he says he is aware the Malians possess special qualities especially in midfield. “They have some of the best midfielders in the world so it will be a special battle and I am looking forward to it,” he told KickOffGhana.com. “Hopefully we should come out well because I believe we have the men to do well.” Mali coach Stephen Keshie has already said there is no way Ghana can win in Bamako but Essien is adamant the Stars must not lose. “We don’t have to lose. We have to go out, play our game and win it. In the worst case we should have a draw.”
Essien primed for midfield tussle
