Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has named Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien in his 22-man squad for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier with Benin.

Essien, who recently returned from a long lay-off due to injury has been in fine form for club scoring in two successive games for the London side.

Hoffeinham defender Isaac Vorsah and Kwadwo Asamoah of Udinese get call ups whiles Moussa Narry also makes the squad.

Uncapped Eleven Wise player Rahim Ayew, who played a part in Ghana’s team at the maiden African Nations Championship, a competition reversed exclusively for local players is the only new face in the squad from the group named over the past months.

Rennes attacker, Asamoah Gyan makes a return to the Black Stars since going out injured during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars take on Benin at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on 29th March as Ghana opens the Group D campaign. Also in the group are Mali and Sudan.

Rajevac has turned his focus on the World Cup qualifiers as he seeks an opening win in the first game of the African zone qualifiers.

“I want to set up my team for the first World Cup game against Benin. That’s an important game we have to win and it’s also important to have a large pool to work with,” the Ghana coach said.