Ghana captain Stephen Appiah admits they have a long way to go before they can think about playing the World Cup.

For Appiah, the African Nations Cup to be hosted by Angola in early January of 2010 should be the Blacks Stars priority before next summer's biggest showpiece in South Africa.

Ghana, qualifiers for both competitions on Sunday closed out the qualifying campaign with a 2-2 result at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi against Mali. The Black Stars came from behind twice to tie the game.

The Bologna midfielder admits that the Black Stars struggled on the day but says preparations to Angola begins now as Ghana attempt a fifth continental success after winning bronze at the last Nations Cup.

"We have been playing well in the qualifiers but suffered a bit in our last two games. They were difficult games even though we could have turned the results on our favour. But it happens in football," said Appiah after the game against Mali in Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city.

"But there's no point looking at the World Cup as the sole competition for next year. The World Cup doesn't come until June 2010. We have the African Nations Cup coming up first and that should be our target.

"We know there are still improvements to be made. Our preparations should be tuned on the Nations Cup and nothing else."

If a fifth Nations Cup title can be added to Ghana's collection of four, then the team will have to be playing at their optimum best as Appiah prays that all players avoid injuries for that dream to be realised.

"The team can always improve. We have a good coach and also good players who can make us achieve our dreams.

"We can only pray that all those injured return fit by the start of the competition and also avoid any injuries. We can make it when we are at our best," Appiah said.

Sixteen nations including hosts, Angola will be vying for the CAN at the Orange-Angola2010.