“We will go all out against Sudan” : Appiah

“We will go all out against Sudan” : Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has declared his side will go all out against Sudan in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday in Kumasi, the country’s second most populous city. The Black Stars, three points lesser than leaders, Chipolopolo of Zambia need nothing short of victory in the Group D qualifier to boost their chances. Below are excerpts of an interview with Cafonline.com ahead of the fixture;

Cafonline.com: How have you been preparing for the game against Sudan?

Kwesi Appiah: We have been preparing for the game after the Africa Cup of Nations. It is an important game and we are approaching it accordingly. Everybody is looking forward to the game and we are on course.

Cafonline.com: How crucial is the outcome of the game to your World Cup ambitions?

Kwesi Appiah: This is a World Cup qualifier and we have to go all out [If it means killing ourselves] to get a win. We are focused for the game and are aware we have to work hard to get the result we desire.

Cafonline.com: What have you been telling your players in the build up to the game?

Kwesi Appaih: We are aware of the current state of the team in the group and I expect them to portray a winning mentality. This game is very crucial to our chances and we cannot afford any slip.

Cafonline.com: You have invited some new players including Emmanuel Frimpong of Arsenal fame for the game. How are they blending with the old guys?

Kwesi Appiah: Frimpong (Emmanuel) has picked up quickly and is mixing with the team well. He speaks the language and that’s good for him. 

Cafonline.com: One of your key defenders Isaac Vorsah has lost his father few days to the game. How are you coping with that piece of bad news?

Kwesi Appiah: We heard the bad news on Monday (March 19). I thought of resting him but he (Vorsah) told me he was ready. He has been training with us and we are hoping he will be fine for the game. When you have players like (Vorsah), who think of the nation first, it is a sign of commitment and helps the team’s cause.

Cafonline.com: What of the absence of Christian Atsu, who is out injured?

Kwesi Appiah: I have never believed in the idea of sticking to one player. I always look at the bigger picture and in line with my objective of building a team wit two players for each position to arrest such situations. We have been working on that and I think we have others to fill his absence.

Cafonline.com: How well do you know the Sudan team?

Kwesi Appiah: We have played against them a couple of times the last few years. Unlike most African teams with foreign-based players, Sudan has a locally based squad. They are a strong team as the players know each other. We have some clips of their games including the last one against Lesotho (which ended 1-1) and are studying it to prepare for the encounter.

Cafonline.com: Two years, then as a stand-in coach, Sudan held the Black to a barren in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Are you haunted by that setback?

Kwesi Appiah: This is a different era, different players and a different platform. This is a World Cup qualifier and we will do our best to win. Also, we calling on the fans to throng the stadium and cheer the team on to victory.