Appiah looks to maintain World Cup momentum

After being part of Ghana's historic quarter-final finish at the World Cup, the challenge facing Black Stars assistant coach Kwesi Appiah, now in temporary charge of the team is to build on that momentum in their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification campaign.

Ghana plays Sudan in Group I on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi for a place at the 2012 CAN to be co-hosted by Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.

The Black Stars started off the continental qualifiers with an impressive 3-0 away win against Swaziland in September in a group which also includes Congo.

Appiah, who assumes full responsibility in the absence of substantive head coach for the Black Stars is aware of the high standards required with Ghana, losing finalists in the last Nations Cup competition tipped as favourites.

But the coach says it is important to continue with a strong performance and ensure a quick qualification.

"The football environment has changed considerably. Upsets and shocks are no more a rare happening," Appiah said as the squad prepared to leave for the match venue, Kumasi on Thursday.

"Obviously we're the strong favourites to qualify. Our recent performances has raised the level of expectation no matter the opposition we are to meet. I don't the Sudanese to buckle down for us. We would be in for a tough match but the most important thing is to stick with our game and impose it on them [Sudan].

"We have a very professional unit who are determined to do a professional job. We just have to give them the confidence and support them."

Ghana, qualified for the last competition after their fourth group game back in 2009.

And Appiah is determined to ensure that Ghana rakes in six points after Sunday's game to keep that target on course.

"It [2010 CAN qualifiers] was a great moment and we have to credit everyone who contributed to it. We did it in a record time and it made things easier as everyone was relaxed.

"There are no easy qualification groups but it is my hope that we can match such a feat again beginning with the game against Sudan.

"A win would boost our confidence going into the remaining qualifiers. And that is what we hope to achieve," the Ghana coach added.