2014 World Cup: Dropping John Mensah was difficult for Ghana coach Appiah

By Rahman Osman
Follow Rahman on Twitter; @iamrahmanosman
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah admits it was extremely difficult to exclude John Mensah from his provisional 26-man squad.

Mensah failed in his attempt to force his way into the Black Stars squad after returning to first team football early this year.

But he has not played for his Slovakian club Nitra FC since being taken off in the 11th minute of a match six weeks ago.

“Nobody loves John Mensah more than me and I must admit it was not an easy decision leaving him out,” Appiah told Asempa FM

“When he signed for Nitra I was certain he would make the team but after just three games I had to decide what was best for the nation.

“It's a decision I took not in the aim of harming anybody but I had to decide what was best for Ghana.

“John is a very good player it hurts me to leave him out but at this point in time it will really be very difficult to take him along.”

Mensah was a pillar at the back for Ghana at the last their last two World Cup campaigns.