Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has admitted that their clash with Ivory Coast on Friday will be tough in absence of midfielder Anthony Annan.

Michael Essien is unlikely to be handed a starting place in the squad which has further decimated the injury-ravaged Black Stars.

Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast, who were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by group minnows Burkina Faso in their Group D opening game on Monday, must win the match to secure a place in the next round of the competition.

Rennes forward Asamoah says they clash with the Elephants in Cabinda on Friday will be uncompromising.

"We knew it though and we're ready. Before, our strength was in midfield, now we're going to have to see."

Four-time Africa Cup of Nations winners' Ghana have had to contend with a string of injuries to key players with central defenders John Pantsil and John Mensah and midfielders Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston all ruled out.

This is Ghana's first run out in Angola after their first match was abandoned following Togo's exit from the competition in the wake of last Friday's deadly gun attack on the team bus by separitist rebels in this troubled northern province.