Having suffered more than most African Nations Cup (CAN) competitors from pre-tournament injuries, Ghana’s problems have been exacerbated by captain Michael Essien’s late arrival due to wintry weather in England.   The Black Stars were due to open their tournament in Cabinda last night against Togo.   But the departure of the Togolese after last Friday’s gun attack on their team bus has delayed Ghana’s opening fixture until Friday, when they play Cote D’Ivoire in a vital match after the Elephants goalless draw with Burkina Faso.

But Michael Essien, who was due to join the party on Sunday after treatment on the injury which had threatened his tournament, will now arrive later still.

Ghanaian FA spokesman Randy Abbey said: “Essien was unable to make it out of London on Sunday as some flights were cancelled. He is now booked to arrive on Wednesday.” He is expected to arrive in Angola via Portugal.

Meanwhile, Togolese reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who received gunshot wounds to his lower back in Friday’s attack was reportedly in a stable condition after surgery in Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital.

Professor Elias Degiannis, one of the team treating Obilale, said: “Although he remains ventilated, he is responding well and his condition remains unchanged.”