Black Stars coach Otto Addo has expressed his admiration for Sudan’s trainer Kwesi Appiah as Ghana prepares for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Black Stars are set to face Sudan in a crucial doubleheader this October as they strive to secure a spot in the tournament.
Appiah, who has previously coached the Black Stars in two stints, notably led the national team to the World Cup in 2014. Speaking at the squad announcement for the upcoming matches, Addo acknowledged Appiah’s contributions to Ghanaian football.
“I have big respect for Kwesi Appiah for what he has achieved as a player and also as a coach for Ghana and I am looking forward to this game,” he said during the announcement of his squad for the matches next week.
Ghana has faced challenges in their qualification campaign, having lost their opening match against Angola in Kumasi and settling for a draw against Niger in their second Group F match. Addo is determined to win both encounters against Sudan to reignite Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter who is on the other side. We are focusing on our team and preparing as best as possible. In this game, it is primarily about us and our attitude toward the match, and that is what we are concentrating on,” he added.
The first leg against Sudan is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.