Asante Kotoko forward Abdul Fatau Safiu is not giving up after he was axed from Ghana’s final 23 man squad for the African Cup of Nations.

The former Portland Timbers forward was tipped to make it to the showpiece in Egypt but was axed from the squad after one week of preparation in Dubai.

Speaking after his omission, Fatau admitted he is disappointed with himself for not working hard to make the cut.

He also promised to work hard and return to the national team.

“First of all, I am disappointed with myself. I should have worked hard maybe I will say that.

“I will say big thanks to the coach and everyone for inviting me to the national team because we have a lot of players out there and I was able to make it to the 29.

“I am grateful and I am not going to give up,” he said.

“I have to go home and work hard, maybe next time I will get a call up and I am not giving up.

“It’s not over yet because I have to still fight and come back strong.

I believe in myself that I will come back stronger,” he added.

FC Porto striker Abdul Majeed Waris, Hearts of Oak’s Mohammed Alhassan, Ebenezer Ofori and Yaw Yeboah of Numancia were the other players dropped by coach Kwesi Appiah.