Appiah backs Black Stars for Nations Cup title

Appiah says fans must back the Stars

Captain Stephen Appiah has urged Ghanaians to support the Black Stars to help them win their fifth African Cup of Nations title despite being left out of the squad.

The Italy-based midfielder was left out of next month's squad for the tournament to be held in Angola as he is recovering from injury.

Some other players were also dropped from the squad which as expected has sparked some controversy but Appiah insists the national cause comes first.

"As Ghanaians our priority is for our country to win the African Cup of Nations. We must go to Angola with a united front," Appiah told Ghanasoccernet.

"The country has named a 23-man squad to represent all of us so it is important that we all give our backing to our colleagues to do us proud.

"I have full confidence in all the players called and I know they are going there to die for the country. They have my full support, prayers and guidance.

"We must now back the management, the coach, his technical team and the players to go Angola and make all of us proud."

Appiah is recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to action with his Italian side by next month.

Ghana are in a tough Group D where they will play Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo.