Essien joined the squad

Michael Essien's chances of playing against Ivory Coast have been rated as "50-50" by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac.

Essien joined the squad late after a hamstring problem and the Black Stars have several players out through injury, including Stephen Appiah.

Ivory Coast need a win to guarantee progress to the quarter-finals after they drew 0-0 with Burkina Faso.

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

Should Ivory Coast lose to Ghana, a draw for Burkina Faso against Ghana on Tuesday would be enough to see the pre-tournament favourites crash out.

First round failure at the Africa Cup of Nations could also 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.

But with Essien a doubt the Elephants will be hoping for a positive result.