Goran Stevanovic hopes Anthony Annan will be self motivated to fight for Ghana after the midfielder lost his mother this week.

Annan, a key personnel for Stevanovic, on Thursday was handed the news of the death of the mum, Madam Sophia Sampson, who passed away in a hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana, after falling sick earlier in the day.

The midfielder, who decided against leaving the Africa Cup of Nations has received lots of backing after pledging to help Ghana win the title.

Ahead of the quarter-final match against Tunisia on Sunday, Stevanovic expects Annan to be strong in such a difficult time.

"It is a really difficult moment for him. But all have supported him a lot. And that can be big motivation for him to play better, to play more for his [departed] mother and to fight," the Ghana coach said.

“I am sure that she loved that he [Annan] played for the national team."

Ghana will wear black armbands in the quarter-final match in Franceville in memory of the passing Annan's mother.