Annan suffers injury in Ghana friendly

Ghana will be anxious to find out if midfielder Anthony Annan will be fit to play the Africa Cup of Nations after he suffered an injury on Thursday.

The Spain-based enforcer suffered the ankle setback during a friendly against seven-time African champions Egypt in Abu Dhabi.


Annan, who was the captain of the Black Stars for the game, was taken off in the 25th minute of the match at the Zayed Sports Stadium.


He was replaced by Derek Boateng when he landed awkwardly after going into a tackle.


The midfielder tried to continue the match but he signalled to the Ghana bench to substitute him as he continued to limp.


Ghana's team doctors will have to examine his ankle to decide the extent of injury.

Annan's injury came just 24 hours after Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah named his squad for the tournament in South Africa.


His absence will be a blow for Ghana as he is one of the key players for the four-time African champions who have been depleted by the absence of some of their Europe-based players.


Ghana start their Nations Cup campaign on 20 January when they take on DR Congo on Port Elizabeth in Group B.


They will also face Mali and Niger.