Rashid Sumaila has been dropped from Ghana's final squad for AFCON 2013

By Patrick Akoto

Defender Rashid Sumaila is not looking disappointed after being dropped from the final list of Ghana’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Ghana trainer Kwesi Appiah opted to stick with Maritzburg United defender Awal Mohammed in his final squad and left out the Asante Kotoko strong-centre back.

The 20-year-old promising player has impressed with his strong presence in defence for the defending Ghanaian League champions.

His consistent showings over the last few years convinced coach Kwesi Appiah to add the player in the preliminary squad for the continental showpiece.

However, the on-loan Ebusua Dwarfs defender was unable to make his way into the coach’s final squad.

Sumaila was not at all disappointed with the trainer’s decision and expressed optimism for the future.

“First of all I will give thanks to the almighty God for bringing me to this point,” Sumaila said

“I have not been included in the team but I will still give thanks to him. I have comported myself very well in the team and I believe I will get chance another time.

“I am very happy with the team and the technical staff. I have learnt a lot from them. I’m really happy to be part of the national team.

“I am praying that God will help them to bring the cup back home so that next time when I’m given the chance, I will be part of those who be going there to defend the cup.

“This will give me a strong challenge to work hard and fight my way back into the team. I’m not going to relax. I’m going to work very hard so that the coach will give me another chance to come back.

“For this one, I’m not disappointed but rather I will go back and fight hard so that Allah will give me the chance and the strength so that I can fight my way back.”

Sumaila is expected to rejoin his Asante Kotoko teammates by the close of the week.