AFCON 2013: Annan not fully fit – Coach Appiah

Ghana Coach, Kwesi Appiah say his decision to leave experienced midfielder, Anthony Annan from his starting line-up for the game against Democratic Republic of Congo was influenced by fitness.

Appiah started Derek Boateng ahead in the Black Stars game with the Leopards and explains “Annan started from the bench because he was not 100-percent fit.”

The midfielder, often paired in central midfield with Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has been trying to shake-off a knock he picked during the team’s build up game against Egypt earlier in the month.

The player sat out of training several days but beat the race with time to emerge as a second half replacement in the game the Stars threw away a two- goal lead to tie with DR Congo.

Appiah said: “when you do not train for a few days, it is important to start from somewhere. That said, Derek is a good player and any of them could start a game.”

Annan, making his fourth appearance at the Nations Cup has come up as a preferred first choice until the injury.

Source: GNA