FromVeronica Commey - (GNA Special Correspondent in Franceville, Gabon, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Franceville, Gabon, Jan. 27, GNA- Black Stars midfielder, Anthony Annan feels responsible for the red card attracted by captain John Mensah during Ghana's African Cup of Nations Group D opener against Botswana, last Tuesday.

Mensah received the marching orders after fouling a Botswana player, that attracted a straight red card that ensured the captain took an early shower, compelling Ghana to play the greater part of the game with ten men.

Annan, whose awkward header triggered the mis-communication that sent Mensah chasing the Botswana player said, he felt bad that the teams's influential defender paid for that misunderstanding.

“When I saw the ball, I thought the best option was to head it forward but John called me to send the ball to him because he was in a good position to deal with the situation.

“But before we knew, the player turned around and I had by then already headed the ball back and there was little space for John to do much.” He stated.

“I feel very bad about it because it was pretty down to mis-communication, which really cost us.” The diminutive midfielder reasoned.

Ghana plays Mali next on Saturday in their second group game which Annan believes would be crucial to the team's campaign in the tournament.

The midfielder said, “we were hoping to score a lot of goals against Botswana but that didn't happen. The next game is with Mali and we would go in there with a positive mind”. Annan said the team is focused on approaching every game with the thirst of inching closer to the finals that would hopefully deliver the holy grill to Ghana after a three decade wait.