Former Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has opened up on why he gave the Black Stars captaincy Andre Ayew instead of the handing it to the general captain, Asamoah Gyan in 2019.
In an interview with Sheikh Toufiq Sienu on Sienu TV (YouTube), the Ex Black Stars coach said it is because Gyan did not have the strength to start games at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament 2019.
“I knew that his performance cannot go to the level I wanted because modern football is not about name and his strength was not that high compared to years back.
“In actual fact that was the main reason. Looking at the games he had played and personally, I don’t believe I will be the captain and I will be on the bench. The captain should be on the pitch to control things,” Coach Kwesi Appiah said.
The Sudanese coach further disclosed that despite his concerns on the fitness of Asamoah Gyan who had not played many games in the months leading to the AFCON, he believed the veteran had something to offer his team in the tournament.
“The reason why I took Gyan to the competition was because Gyan had helped the nation for a period of time and I said if you are not injured no matter what I will take you to the tournament and I want you to finish.
Kwasi Appiah was appointed as the Sudanese National team coach in late October, 2023 has since played two game with a win and a draw as the head of the pack.