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I know my team for AFCON 2019: Kwesi Appiah

James Kwesi Appiah, the head coach of the Black Stars has said that he knows his team for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Egypt.
Kwesi Appiah
Kwesi Appiah

Ghana defeated Kenya and Mauritania 1-0 and 3-1, respectively in late March in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation qualifier and an international friendly respectively.

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Kwesi Appiah handed some new players the opportunity to prove their worth in his team, with debutant Caleb Ekuban scoring twice in two games, despite coming on as a substitute to justify why he should be on the flight to Cairo for the AFCON.

Appiah has indicated that he has a clear idea about his players for the continental showpiece in Egypt.

“I know my team for the tournament. I’m certain about the squad, will be but as I always say there is still a chance for other players as some permanent players may dip in form, fatigued and there could be injuries”, he told the media at the Accra Sports Stadium last Tuesday after the Black Stars thrashed Mauritanian 3-1 in an international friendly encounter.

He also revealed that players with much versatility would be his paramount focus.

“Football is different now. Players don’t have to focus on one role or one position; they must be able to play anywhere and wherever they are tasked to play”, he noted.

According to him, he shares the belief that all players who qualify to play for the Black Stars must be given the opportunity to showcase their talent and be selected if they prove worthy, hence the justification for still introducing new players to the squad to determine their quality, durability and fitness to play the Black Stars.

“I believe that everyone must be given a chance and everyone must be made to feel welcomed to play for the Stars”, he stated.

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