Michael Essien is tipping either Ghana or Ivory Coast as huge favourites to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Chelsea midfielder who misses the tournament through injury in his preview of the competition which kicks off on January 21 in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea believes that the Black Stars has the right mix of experience and new blood to aid their Nations Cup chances.

Ghana are bidding to annex the title for the fifth time after finishing as runners-up in the last finals in Angola, two years ago.

"The Ghanaian team is full of experienced tournament players mixed with hungry young players and that is a very good combination for this year’s African Cup. There is captain John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Sulley Muntari among many other players," Essien said.

And he believes the Black Stars have the experience of playing at such levels.

"This team knows how to play at tournaments and nearly made the semi-final at the last World Cup. They are a proper unit and play for the nation and that’s why I fancy them to make the final and probably win it."

Though the competition would be missing some notable big sides - Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt and South Africa -, Essien, says the tournament will be as good as it has been in the past

"I definitely think so because there are still some good football nations left fighting for the top prize. The favourites will no doubt be Ivory Coast and Ghana, in my opinion, and possibly the surprise packages will be Mali or Senegal," he said.