The team’s 100 percent record was halted by rivals Egypt after Mohammed Salah converted a stunning free kick in the first half.

Atsu who has been one of the starts of the tournament so far, endured a frustrating evening as he struggled to complete dribbles and affect the game.

“We are disappointed we could not win or draw but we are happy we qualified.

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“When you play on this kind of pitch it’s frustrating. The pitch is too bad. We are professionals and we have lost a game but the next game is more important.

“In our next game even if the pitch is bad, we will fight to the end” he told Pulse.com.gh.

Even though team coach, Avram Grant had earlier indicated they would not mind their opponents in the knock-out stage, a fixture against one of the teams of the tournament in the DRC was not on the books.

The Black Stars face off against Florent Ibenge’s side in Oyem on Sunday.