Sports News of Thursday, 18 April 2019

Source: happyghana.com

AFCON 2019: We’ll take it one game at a time – Kwesi Appiah

Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says his outfit will not underestimate any team at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations after the Black Stars drew what has been described by many as an “easy group”.

The four-time champions found themselves in Group F after Friday’s draw, joining up with five-time champions and holders Cameroon as well as Benin and Guinea-Bissau, who will be playing at the tournament for the fourth and second times respectively.

“We thank God in all things. Our group is better than others but we need to start preparations now because all the 24 teams [participating in the tournament] are good,” Appiah told Graphic Sports.

“As compared to the other groups like [that of] Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire, our group is not bad.

“But every country that has qualified is good and cannot be underrated.

“As I always say, football has developed now, so you can’t take any team for granted. You always have to prepare well to ensure good results.

“We have to take it one game at a time. But I believe Ghana will do well if everybody plays his role very well.”

Ghana will open their campaign against Benin on June 25, four days before facing Cameroon, whom they lost to in the semi-final of the last championship.

The Black Stars’ last game will be against Guinea-Bissau on July 2.

Appiah’s outfit, who have been to the semi-final of the last six tournaments, are seeking to win the trophy for the first time since 1982.