There was celebration in Ghana’s camp with the news that their captain, Michael Essien will be fully fit when the Nations Cup kicks off on Sunday.
Essien tore his hamstring in Chelsea’s Champions League game against APOEL Nicosia on December 9 but resumed full training this week.
The 27-year-old midfielder is due to join up with his Ghana teammates in Angola on Saturday, but is doubtful for the Black Stars’ opener against Togo on Monday.
Essien is expected to be accompanied by a Chelsea doctor, according to a report on the BBC.
Ghana, four time winners of this biennial continental championship, face a tough opening group with favourites Ivory Coast waiting for them after Togo followed by Burkina Faso.
Serb coach Milovan Rajevac has had to contend with a spate of injuries to key personnel, with central defenders John Pantsil and John Mensah and midfielders Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston all ruled out.
The first country in Africa to qualify for the World Cup besides from hosts South Africa, Ghana are seeking their first Nations cup title in 28 years.
This appetizing World Cup forerunner gets under way in Luanda on Sunday with hosts Angola taking on Mali.