Appiah Fights For Muntari, Essien

Stephen Appiah
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has called on the management and technical team of the Black Stars to extend a hand to suspended Sulley Muntari and club mate Michael Essien.

The AC Milan duo have been out of Ghana's squad since the Brazil 2014 debacle in July due to disciplinary reasons.

And despite Muntari's refusal to apologise for his brawl with Moses Parker during the World Cup in Brazil, as instructed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the ex-Juventus star has suggested the two midfielders be given places for the Equatorial Guinea campaign.

He noted at the launch of the Tornado Ball in Accra last Monday that his plea has nothing to do with his alliance with the Milan men, but due to their current form and what they can bring on board in next January's champion nship.

'I think we need them in the team. They should be invited. I am not saying this because they are friends, but because they are performing in their club,' Appiah said.

Appiah cautioned the team to be optimistically cautious in the forthcoming championship, saying, 'We shouldn't brag that we are going to win the tournament.  Countries that emerge winners don't go there with such mentality. We should approach it one game at a time.'

Ghana has been pitted against Algeria, South Africa and Senegal in Group C of the Equatorial Guinea championship.

… Joins Ghana Technical Team For 2015 AFCON
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has confirmed he will be playing a as a member of Ghana's technical team for the 2015 Africa cup of Nations.

The 33-year-old is set for another role after ex-Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah named him in his backroom staff for the 2014 World Cup finals.

His job description has not been disclosed but Appiah is expected to be the intermediary between the players and the Ghana FA officials.

The former Juventus and Fenerbahce star wants to contribute his quota to help the Black Stars end the over three-decade trophy drought in Equatorial Guinea.

'I am not doing it for the GFA; I am doing it for Ghana. I am ready and up for the challenge. I have learnt a lot from the World Cup and it would help me to prevent a repeat of what happened in Brazil. That thing must not happen again,' Appiah said on Joy FM.

Ghana face a tough campaign at the tournament after drawing title favourites Algeria, Senegal and South Africa in Group

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum