Zambian midfielder withdraws from Ghana08

Germany-based midfielder Andrew Sinkala has withdrawn from the Zambia national soccer team that will be traveling to the Ghana African Cup of Nations because of ill-health, according to The Post.

In an interview from his hospital bed in Cologne of Germany on Tuesday night, Sinkala said he would not join the Chipolopolo Boys because he had failed to recover from chest infection and lung complications, the Zambian newspaper reported Thursday.

Sinkala, of German Two-Bundesliga team Paderborn, said he was still unwell and had struggled to get well. "I'm not well and I can't force matters. I sometimes experience high temperatures and chest pains," he said.

Sinkala said he was saddened that he could not recover on time to feature for the country at the prestigious Nations' Cup tournament.

"I wish to apologize to my country and my fans for this but I have no control over my health. I was really looking forward to play in Ghana but I' m not okay," he said