2019 Afcon: Ghana Failed On Arrival - Marcel Desailly

Marcel Desailly has told Footballmadeinghana.com that Ghana failed on arrival ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

The Black Stars were seeking for their fifth African title after winning the tournament in 1982.

However, after a torrid start of the tournament, Ghana were shown the exit at the Round of 16 against Tunisia.

The North African side defeated Ghana (5-4) to Tunisia following a 1-1 stalemate after extra-time.

Prior to the tournament, the 1998 World Cup winner with France predicted that the four-time winners were not among the favourites for the title.

“I said that to reduce a little bit of pressure and expectation around the team, so I did also in purpose to help but at the same time it was true deep down what I was thinking," he said.

“I knew that individually we were not strong enough to make the difference and perform but I was hoping that collectively we were going to be clever enough to play all together at the same time at our best level to be able to pull off a surprise but just a surprise, it could’ve not been something obvious from the beginning.

“I was having doubts, I was not fully convinced about the tactical set up that was put in place. He [kwesi Appiah] could’ve done better.

"He should’ve tried to protect less of the talented players he had, kill some of the egos to be able to have a group of players who might be less talented but ready for the battle. This is why I identified that Ghana was going to have some difficulties," he added.

It was the first time they have failed to make the quarter-finals of Afcon since 2006.