Essien digs in over Cup

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Chelsea could lose up to five players during the tournament in the New Year, threatening their title challenge.

Scroll down to read more:

Michael Essien is helped from the field after a crunching tackle from Senegal's Papa Bouba Diop

Essien accepts it could cause conflict but is eager to play in the event on home soil in Ghana.

"I am aware of the tension it causes, but I am happy and honoured to play in the tournament for Ghana," he said, after captaining his country in last night's draw with Senegal at Millwall's New Den.

Ghana took the lead when Udinese striker Asamoah Gyan ran on to Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari's flick and slotted past Senegal keeper Tony Sylva in the 44th minute.

But unsettled Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf fired the equaliser in the 73rd minute.

Essien takes a potshot for Ghana

Diouf, who claims he wants a move from the Reebok to a club more likely to challenge for a Champions League place, was performing in front of a number of Premier League managers and scouts, including West Ham's Alan Curbishley, Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp and Birmingham City's Steve Bruce.

The game was a quiet one for referee Andy D'Urso and assistant Ian Gosling, who were paired again three days after wrongly denying Fulham a last-minute equaliser against Middlesbrough, a decision that led to Gosling being demoted for next weekend's games.