2006 World Cup Squad Is My Favorite Team Of All Time - Stephen Appiah

Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah has named the 2006 World Cup squad as his best ever Black Stars team.

Ghana made a huge impression in Germany for the first time in the history of the country following its maiden qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

Placed in Group E which also had Italy, Czech Republic and the United States of America, the Black Stars returned to winning ways after suffering a 2:0 defeat to Italy to beat the Czech Republic by 2:0.

The West African side defeated the United States 2:1 in the final group game to qualify for the Round of 16.

Recounting the experience Appiah, praised the depth in quality of the squad.

“The 2006 squad was something else because if you look at our bench the players on there were equally as good as the starters," he said.

“Take a guy like Haminu Dramani he didn’t start the first and second game but the third match against the United States we saw his performance.

“All though he was on the bench you could tell that he was ready when given the opportunity.

“You could also see guys like Derek Boateng who was equally a good as myself and Michael Essien.

“And then at the back, we had a guy like Shilla Illiasu who came in for Osei Kuffour and did really well.

“It was really an all-round team,” he revealed.

Ghana exited the tournament after losing 3:0 to Brazil.

Appiah himself is currently studying to acquire his coaching badges as he aims to become a full-time coach.