AFCON 2019: We Cannot Rely On Past History To Beat Tunisia - Kwesi Appiah

Head Coach for the Black Stars, James Kwesi Appiah has indicated that the enviable record Ghana has over Tunisia in terms of matches played that Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will play no part when the two teams lock horns in a round of 16 tie later tonight.

The two countries who are by no means friends on the field of play are set to renew their rivalry today to battle for a place in the round of 16 of this year’s continental competition which is currently ongoing in Egypt.

In the last seven meetings between the two teams at an AFCON tournament, the Black Stars have managed to win 6 and drawn just 1 in the process, making the Carthage Eagles the weakest opponent they have faced when it comes to the continental showpiece.

Though Ghana looks favorite to win the fixture, Tunisia who has a bad record against their matchday opponent will be well determined to beat them to appease themselves for all the past defeats.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Coach Kwesi Appiah noted that the outcome of today’s match will not be dependent on the results of games between the two teams in the past.

According to him, he has a lot of respect for Tunisia and will expect his charges to play at the top level to ensure they come out victorious at the end of the match.

“Football now doesn’t depend on history. You can beat a team yesterday if you beat him yesterday and you meet him today it is a different ball game. And I have total respect for each team so irrespective of how we dealt with them in previous years, it’s a new era and the most important thing is for us to make sure we do the best to get the win”, coach Appiah said.

The crucial match will be played at the Ismailia Stadium at 19:00GMT.