Derek Asamoah plays in the Korean top-flight
Ghana striker Derek Asamoah is optimistic of breaking into the final 23-man squad for the 2012 African Cup of Nations after impressive performances in South Korea.
The Pohang Steelers player was picked ahead of Quincy Owusu-Abeyie in the preliminary 25-man squad after impressing under the Serb in an international friendly against Gabon in Paris last month.
He poked from close range to score the decisive goal against the Nations Cup co-hosts in a performance that ended him a place in the provisional squad.
The Black Stars will begin camping for the biannual showpiece in South African from 7 January before the number is pruned to 23.
It is widely believed local hitman Emmanuel Baffour, German-born Charles Takyi or France-based John Boye could be casualties.
But the 24-year-old wants to fight his way into the final squad for the tournament.
He told MTNFootball.com: “It’s a dream to be in the final 25-man squad. But I remain hopeful I can make the grade.
“Every player will want to fight to be in the team because we’re ready to be part of history.
“It is the greatest honour to wear the national team jersey and that’s what I believe all the players will be fighting for.”
Asamoah was voted the Most Valuable Player in the K-League last season after scoring 11 goals in 32 matches with several assists as a winger.