Franceville, Jan. 27, GNA - Ghana's creative midfielder, Derek Boateng was confined to a bench role when Ghana played Botswana in a Group D opener on Tuesday; an experience the player says he is taking in his strides.

Boateng had enjoyed a fine spell in midfield lately, appearing at the preferred choice to partner Emmanuel Agyeman Badu in midfield but was an unused substitute in the opener Ghana;s Black Stars won by a lone goal.

He told GNA Sports in Franceville that being confined to a bench role after such a fine spell in recent times is painful to take but was quick to add that 'as a professional, your interest is putting the team first'.

'Of course it is a good feeling to have a starting role or get a chance to play a part to help the team win matches, but ultimately the wish of every player is to see the team thrive with or without him'.

The midfielder believes the depth of quality in the team is deep enough to win the nation a fifth trophy that will end the 30- year wait for glory. Coach Goran Stevanovic had often used the duo in central midfield during the qualifiers and other international friendlies but opted for Anthony Annan over Boateng during the game with the South Africans.

The Stars will be up against Malian Eagles in a game the Stars must win to initiate passage to the quarter finals of the biannual meeting that laces Africa's best 16 together.

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)