ESSIEN TO CLASH WITH ZOKORA IN INDONESIA

African soccer stars Michael Essien is set to clash with Didier Zokorain Indonesia.

The ex-Ghana international has played in opposing sides against the Ivorian at Wembley, the Premier League and in the African Nations Cup. They would renew their rivalry when Essien’sPersib Bandung side face Zokora’s Semen Padang in Sumatra.

Both stars recently arrived at the South-eastern nation in search of more football. Essien won titles with Chelsea and in France. He went on loan to Real Madrid and he was decent in the national team. Zokora on the other hand played for Spurs and for the Ivory Coast senior team. He was decent at the 2006 World Cup and the exposure helped him to White Hart Lane.

Zokora is not afraid of Essien’s pedigree. He admits that the Ghanaian is a top player but he added that he hopes his side emerge victorious at the duel.

“For me, Essien is a great player who is still an idol. I’ve met him at Real Madrid and playing with him is an honour. I will give the best for the team, and we are optimistic of taking the three points,” Zokora warned ahead.

Both sides clashed in France when Essien was with Lyon and Zokora with St Etienne around 2004. Lyon were the victors that season and when they met in England, Essien’s Chelsea finished above Zokora’s Spurs.

The major victory over Essien was when Spurs lifted the League Cup in 2008. Both players met two year later at the Nations Cup. Zokora played as Ivory Coast defeated Ghana 3-1 in the group stage. Ghana eventually made the finals but the Ivoirians were knocked out in the quarter finals.

Zokora is active in the Padang team. He is set to lead the onslaught against his African brother as the team seeks to finish high on the log – a dream that the three points this weekend would help.