Throwback: When Michael Essien brought Ballack, Adebayor, Marcelo and others to GhanaFormer Ghana midfielder Michael Essien demonstrated the strength of his football connections in 2013 when he brought some of the game’s biggest names to Accra for the Game of Hope. The star-studded exhibition match was played at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Essien’s Africa XI taking on a World XI captained by former Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack. The game featured an impressive collection of international stars, including Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, former Chelsea teammates Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba, and Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho. Brazilian left-back Marcelo also featured, while Ghana’s Andre and Jordan Ayew joined Essien in representing the African side. The event provided Ghanaian football fans with a rare opportunity to watch several global stars on home soil, with Essien using his relationships from a distinguished career in European football to assemble the teams. However, the occasion went beyond the spectacle on the pitch. The Game of Hope was organised around a charitable cause, combining football, entertainment and philanthropy to raise funds for projects aimed at supporting communities and charitable initiatives. For Essien, who had established himself as one of Africa’s most accomplished midfielders through spells at clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan, the event offered another way to give back. FKA/AM
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