Ghana coach Appiah urged to avoid big-name deception in squad selection for Afcon

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The erstwhile FA veep shares a word of advice with the Black Stars boss as the Africa Cup of Nations beckons

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice president George Afriyie has encouraged Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah to put sentiments aside whenÂ selecting his final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The four-time champions, who recently beat Kenya 1-0 in the final tournament qualifier and Mauritania 3-1 in an international friendly three days later, have set their sights on ending a 37-year trophy drought at the June 21-July 19 continental fiesta.

There have, however, been concerns about the fitness and form of some senior players, including captain Asamoah Gyan as well as brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew,Â two months prior to the championship.

"After both matches [against Kenya and Mauritania], I heard Asamoah Gyan saying if he has to be dropped for the country to win the Africa Cup of Nations, then the coach has to do that. And for me, that is an important statement," Afriyie told Metro TV.

"We are in a country where big names [are seen as] okay [for] football but Kwesi Appiah needs to consider [what] the captain is saying.

"I know he [Appiah] knows his team for the competition but I think he has to be tough in his call-ups.

"He has said he will not add any [more new] players but this is a tournament that we need to win.

"It will not come easy because it's now a 24-team Afcon. But I believe with the right players, Ghana will do better."

Ghana won Afcon in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.Â

2019-04-06 10:00:03

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