Forward Godfred Karikari is racing against time to play for Hong Kong in an international friendly against Taiwan later this month - the first match under new coach Ernie Merrick.
The Pegasus winger has yet to obtain his Hong Kong passport, but is still being drafted into Merrick's 27-member training squad.
'I was told the passport is ready and the only thing the Hong Kong Immigration Department needs is a confirmation letter from the Ghana government that I have given up my original nationality,' Karikari, 26, said yesterday.
'Normally, it can take some time, but I have written to the Ghana government, pressuring them to give me the papers as soon as possible.
'It's my dream to play for Hong Kong at international level. I hope the good news can come soon so that I can be part of the team.'
Having spent more than seven years in Hong Kong with four different clubs, Karikari was first called up for last month's interport tournament against Guangdong. His powerful runs were a constant threat and he scored the second goal for Hong Kong before the visitors forced a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
