"I've decided not play against Egypt (next week) because I'm not fully fit to give out my best," the 30-year-old, who plies his trade at Chinese top division club Shaanxi Chanba FC, told BBC Sport.

"I've just recovered from a knee injury that kept me out of action for almost two months, I returned to action two weeks ago, so I need more time to regain fitness.

"I always love to play for my country and I'm not happy that I'll miss this important encounter - I'll pray for the other players to deliver their best and get a good result in Cairo.

"If I'm fully fit, then I will make myself available for subsequent matches in the 2012 qualifiers - if I'm called upon."

Egypt and Sierra Leone lie in Group G alongside South Africa and Niger.