Caf president Issa Hayatou says the stars will be there in Ghana

Trying to get big-name players to the African event has often seen a tug-of-war between Caf and the player's European clubs, who are in the midst of their season.

But Issa Hayatou says the Chelsea striker and Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o among others will be playing in Ghana.

"They will all be there, whether it is Samuel Eto'o or Didier Drogba," Hayatou said.

"The presidents of the clubs have told us so and the players themselves have said they want to play.

"There is no reason that they should not be freed (for the tournament)."