Appiah upbeat about victory against Sudan

Black Stars Coach Kwasi Appiah is swimming in confidence ahead of this weekend’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Desert Hawks of Sudan.

The team’s build for the game has witnessed series of lows with France-based Andre Ayew and kid brother, Jordan declaring themselves unavailable for the must-win tie and the injury to winger Christian Atsu, hours before camping resumed.

However, Appiah is unfazed and insists his charges are focused on the game and has a lot of options to choose from the 23-players in camp for the day three clash billed for the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi on Sunday, March 24.

The Stars trainer told GNA Sports “We are focused and all the players are looking forward to the game. We have been preparing and are on course.

“All the players are fit and ready to give their all to help our quest in the qualifiers. Atsu (Christian) is an integral part of the team and it’s unfortunate he will play a no part in this game. I have always been committed to having an all round team to make up for unexpected situations such as this”.

Two years ago, the Stars with Appiah then in a caretaker position were lucky to have escaped with a point against the same opponent at the same venue in a qualifier for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, but the soft spoken trainer appears to have learnt his lessons.

“This is a new era, different situation altogether, different team and a different competition. This is a World Cup qualifier.”

On the Sudanese team, he said “they have a good team dominated by local players. The players know themselves and are a difficult side to play against.

“We will approach the game with all the attention it deserves to get the much desired result”.

The Stars are three points adrift  Group D leaders Zambia, who have six points. Sudan and Lesotho follow in that order with a point apiece.

Source: GNA