Ghana Coach Kwesi Appiah Wants Players To Command First Team Place Ahead Of Egypt Clash

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has charged his Black Stars players to command first team places at club level in order to earn call-up into his squad to face Egypt in the final stages of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. 

The 54-year-old is readying to announce his squad to face the Pharaohs in Kumasi on October 15 and recently returned from a trip abroad where he met AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari and former first choice goalkeeper Richard Kingson in Cyprus.

Ghanaian players have hit a rich vein of form with most of them commanding first team berths and scoring in games.

Kwadwo Asamoah has been hailed by Antonio Conte – the Juventus boss, while midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng, Frank Acheampong and Sulley Muntari have all maintained their scoring form.

Striker Jordan Ayew who is rumoured to be making a return to the squad also scored against Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League.

But Kwesi Appiah wants to see more of his men command first team places at club level in order to hold down their places in his squad.

“I believe that if you want to go to the World Cup, you should be prepared to play any team that comes your way,” the Black Stars coach told the Ghana FA.

“And for that reason, whichever team or country, we will be prepared to play them.”

“We are praying that all our players get playing time with their various Clubs,” he said.

The former Ghana international defender also praised the quality of Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien despite his inactivity at the Stamford Bridge.

“Michael for me, is always been a good player. I have always had confidence in him. The good thing about him is his attitude, not only on the pitch but off the pitch is fantastic,” the Ghana coach said about the midfielder, who made a return to the national team this month following a three-year absence.

“To have him in the team, when he decided to come back, I was one of the most happiest. As to his performance , I know he can do much than he did. He is an exceptional player and I have always said that Essien is a player every coach will love to have in his team.”

Kwesi Appiah is expected to name his squad to face Egypt next week.