Appiah wants Stars revival

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has charged his team mates to dust themselves off their recent dip in form and mount a strong challenge at the African Cup of Nations in January.

 
The newly-signed Bologna midfielder is worried at the Black Stars slump; yet to win a match since beating Sudan 2-0 at home in September to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

 
Appiah is however confident of an improved display at the Afcon tournament and says there is no room to panic.

 
"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.

 
"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."

 
"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," he added.

  The draw for the African Cup of Nations takes place in Luanda on 20 November.