Appiah: Africa must believe in their own

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has challenged African countries to appoint local coaches following the exploits of him and Stephen Keshi which have seen Ghana and Nigeria making it to the World Cup in Brazil 2014.

Appiah believes the time has come for the continent to believe in its own people and give them the maximum support to succeed.

“We have been saying all along that, given support and opportunity from football authorities, local coaches will deliver credible results. What has happened to Keshi with Nigeria and now with me and Ghana [gives me great pleasure]," Appiah told Caf’s website.

“We were up against a good Egyptian team [but] we did what was required and [...] are all pleased to qualify for Brazil 2014.”

This is the first time in the history of African football that two natives who are all former captains have qualified their countries to the World Cup as coaches.