Kwesi Appiah refutes claims of cursing Black Stars

Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has debunked claims that he cursed the Black Stars when he was stripped off the captaincy.

Appiah lost his captain armband to Abedi Ayew Pele during the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal due to reports that he could not speak French.

According to reports, the Asante Kotoko great was furious with the decision at the time hence cursed the Black Stars will never win any major trophy.

However, the 59-year-old has denied the rumours, claiming that there were only fabricated after the team failed to land the title despite having a huge advantage against eventual winners Ivory Coast in the final.

“I never cursed the team as been reported in the media," Appiah stated on Happy FM.

“Why would I curse the team when I was part of it. Moreover, I use to be the coach of the national team so if I cursed the team not to win the AFCON title then I should have revoked it by now."

Appiah was coach of Ghana U23 as they won the 2011 All-Africa Games.

He was appointed as the Head coach of the Ghanaian national team in April 2012 before leading the team to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, making him the first black African coach to take the country to the World Cup. He was given a new two-year contract in May 2014. After the country exited the World Cup in the group stages, Appiah defended his team.

Appiah left his position as Ghana manager by mutual consent in September 2014.

He became manager of Sudanese club Al Khartoum in December 2014.

In April 2017 he was re-appointed as the coach of the Ghana national team, replacing former Chelsea manager Avram Grant. He was sacked in January 2020.