Ex-Ghana international Samuel Osei Kuffuor has told Michael Essien not to lose hope in winning the Uefa Champions League after another dream fizzled into thin air last Wednesday against Barcelona in the semi-final.

The 26-year-old missed out on winning the trophy last season when Chelsea lost on penalties to compatriot Manchester United in Moscow.

Essien’s half volley after 9 minutes nearly earned a second successive final appearance for Chelsea but an Andres Iniesta 93rd minute equalizer sent Barcelona through on the away goal rule.

But Kuffour believes Essien has got time on his side to become the third Ghanaian player to lift the Champions League trophy.

“Michael is still young, he has more potential and he has more to achieve. I wish and pray that Michael can have more champions league matches than me,” Kuffour told Citi FM.

Kuffour won it in 2001 with German side Bayern Munich after a late comeback from Manchester United in 1999 denied them trophy.

Football legend Abedi Ayew Pele was the first Ghanaian player to win it in 1993 with Olympique Marseille.

“I think me and Abedi Pele are the only people who won the trophy in this nation. We want Michael Essien to be among; we want Sulley Muntari to be among,” he added.

“We wish the best for all these guys. Every Ghanaian player who plays in the Champions League, we wish him the best.”