Chelsea stars shine in Ghana

While Chelsea FC are competing on four fronts at home and in Europe, three of their players have made sure that they still have a chance of collecting five trophies come the end of the season.

Key strikes
Didier Drogba's second goal at the African Cup of Nations helped Ivory Coast qualify atop Group B as they defeated Mali 3-0 in Accra yesterday. The victory gave John Obi Mikel's Nigeria renewed hope of advancing, and it was the Chelsea midfielder who opened the scoring against Benin and sent Berti Vogts' side on the way to a 2-0 success and a place in the quarter-finals.

'Football is very strange'
While there was relief for Nigeria, Drogba was wary about talking up the chances of the impressive Ivorians going one better than the 2006 tournament when they were beaten finalists. "Be careful – football is very strange," said the 29-year-old. "I hope we can keep it very simple, not speak too much and do it on the pitch. Two years ago was two years ago – this is a new competition and we have different players. I hope we go on to win it but now it is a series of knockout games."

Chelsea reunion
While Drogba can look forward to a quarter-final meeting with Guinea, Mikel will probably view his next game with more trepidation as the Super Eagles prepare to meet Ghana, the tournament hosts who are captained by his club-mate Michael Essien. Chelsea have coped admirably without the trio this month, staying in touch with Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at the top of the Premier League in addition to reaching the League Cup final and FA Cup fifth round.

Olympiacos test
The tournament concludes on 10 February - nine days before the London club travel to Olympiacos CFP for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.