Michael Essien has been training with Ghana, having arrived late for the tournament after receiving treatment on a hamstring injury in the UK.

The Black Stars are already missing several players through injury, including midfielder Stephen Appiah.

Ivory Coast need a win after they drew their opener with Burkina Faso.

"We're in a very difficult position but still have all the cards in our hands, I know we can go through," said Elephants coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

First round failure at the Africa Cup of Nations could 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.

Ghana's Dede Ayew knows this game is also crucial for Ghana, with just three sides left in the group following the withdrawal of Togo.

"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," he 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.