Asamoah benched on tactical reasons …Appiah explains

Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah has explained his decision to drop Kwadwo Asamoah from the starting line-up for the final African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya on Saturday.

According to Kwesi Appiah, the former Juventus player was dropped purely on tactical grounds.

In his post Kenya-match presser which the Stars triumphed 1-0, Appiah revealed he was unsure how to employ Asamoah for the game and therefore decided to drop him to the bench, saying, “Kwadwo was in my plans to start.”

“I contemplated on starting him at left-back or to push him to midfield but there was no conclusion about where to play him and therefore, I decided to drop him and go with Lumor Agbenyegah at left-back.”

Coach Appiah said the striking department was his biggest headache as he prepares the team for the impending African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

However, Appiah stated his readiness to try all the attackers at his disposal and give all an opportunity to prove their mettle before the competition in June.

“It is no secret to all Ghanaians the deficiencies we have in the attacking department. As a technical team we will continue to give strikers an opportunity to prove themselves and observe them to decide those that are good enough.”

The Head Coach expressed satisfaction with his side’s display on the night, stating that the target was achieved.

“Our plan was to win the game no matter what. We knew topping the group meant that we were going to be a seeded team for the AFCON and it was achieved.”

Appiah was full of praise for debutant Caleb Ekuban, a 60th minute substitute who snatched the winner for Ghana, saying that he was impressed with the striker’s performance.

“Caleb did very well; initially he complained he wasn’t used to the pitches and his colleagues but we are gradually assimilating him into the team.”

I’m glad I gave him an opportunity to prove to Ghanaians what he was capable of “.

Appiah indicated he will use the friendly to assess players that did not get featured in the Kenyan game.

BY NANA BENTSI ODURO