Annan saddened by lack of Nations Cup action

Luanda, Angola, Jan. 20, GNA - Black Stars midfielder, Anthony Annan is saddened by his absence in the two matches so far played by Ghana in the ongoing 27th Edition of the Africa Nations Cup in Angola following a recurring thigh injury.

The midfielder who is making his first Nations Cup appearance for Ghana, told the GNA Sports in Luanda that missing out of the two matches has been a big blow to his career because he had high expectations for the tournament in Angola.

Annan said that having featured in the Ghana 2008 Cup, he was his wish to use the 2010 competition to open a new page in his career but nature has denied him the opportunity. According to the player, the injury has come as a great worry to him, because it would have served as a great platform for him to make a case for himself as a one of the stars on the continent. "But all is not lost, I'm hoping that I recover fully and in time in a bid to fight for a place in the team that will represent Ghana at the 2010 World Cup.

"The Nations Cup is a big platform but the World Cup also comes with greater opportunities and that is my aim and I hope to be clean from injury". He stated.

With Ghana's qualification to the quarter finals of the competition, Annan looks possible for a place in the team but it is not yet certain whether he will have a starting line up or come on as a substitute.

Touching on his career in Europe, the Rosenberg midfielder denied having links with any other team in Europe, saying "I'm concentrating on my career with the Norwegian club".

"I only hear media reports that I'm moving to this or that club, but I have not had any personal contact so I'm staying put at my club". He declared.

Annan has been a regular member of the Stars since the Ghana 2008 competition, but he is yet to kick a ball at the competition after two matches.

Ghana will lock horns with Angola on Sunday, January 25 at the 11th November Sports Stadium, in Luanda and a win for Ghana will see the Stars then advance to the semi-finals stage.