Kitchee's Christian Annan in race against time to represent Hong Kong

Christian Annan is hopeful of winning his race against time as he bids to represent Hong Kong in their crucial Asian Cup qualifying match against United Arab Emirates next month.

The Ghana-born Kitchee striker, who has spent more than seven years in the city, has been trying to change his nationality since February to become eligible for Hong Kong. Yesterday, he said there were just minor details remaining.

"When you give up your own nationality, you need some documents from your native country," said Annan. "And as far as I am concerned, it is now getting very close and hopefully I can get the passport by the end of the month.

"It will be a great honour to represent Hong Kong and I also want to make a contribution to a place where I have been playing for many years."

Annan said he had already built up good understanding with Kitchee's Hong Kong internationals after joining them in the summer from Tai Po - for whom he scored 14 goals last season.

"Many of the Kitchee players are in the Hong Kong team set-up and there will be few problems in blending in," he said.