
Audio By Carbonatix
Though assured of massive home support in the first leg playoff of the World Cup qualifier against Egypt, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah insists the Black Stars cannot get complacent.
The Black Stars, chasing their third consecutive appearance at the finals must navigate past Egypt over two-legs to reach Brazil.
Appiah is confident that Ghana can turn their World Cup dream into reality if they stay grounded and show respect to their opponents, who are one of the continent's best teams.
"It's a big game," the Black Stars coach told www.ghanafa.org. "It's a game which is important to all Ghanaians and every member on my team is aware of that."
"Egypt are seven-time African champions and trying to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990. That will give them some added boost going into the game."
Egypt's achievement, according to Appiah should serve as motivation for his players to get a good result at the Baba Yara Stadium.
"Their record in its sense means that we cannot look down on them. We can't get complacent. We have to prepare well and remain focused," Appiah said.
The Ghana coach believes the Black Stars will be better equipped to deal with the atmosphere in Kumasi, having experienced big game moments like their previous World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
"The expectation will always be there whenever the Black Stars have a game.
"I can say I was more anxious during the Zambia game. There's been no panic since the pairing with them[Egypt].
"I have respect for them. They are a good side," concluded the Ghana coach.
The aggregate winner after both legs qualifies for next year's finals in Brazil.
Latest Stories
-
Family of Zambia’s ex-leader should choose his burial site, SAfrica court says
14 minutes -
Attack kills 20 in Nigeria’s central Plateau attack
22 minutes -
Morocco target top spot in group ahead of Brazil
31 minutes -
Nigerian SEC orders halt to marketing for Dangote refinery IPO
42 minutes -
Oil extends slide on expectations of smoother crude flows via Hormuz
53 minutes -
Libya’s eastern government bans entry of nationals from four African countries
1 hour -
Kenya signs $1.2bn deal with Chinese firm to expand Nairobi airport
1 hour -
US presses Meta to agree to AI reviews as security concerns rise, NYT reports
1 hour -
Unpaid bonuses and food issues – what’s going on inside Senegal camp?
1 hour -
Silly tackle, bad reaction – Tuchel defends Bellingham after Queiroz row
2 hours -
No extra revenue for FIFA from hydration breaks – Infantino
2 hours -
Ancelotti’s quest to end Brazil’s 24-year wait for World Cup glory
2 hours -
Croatia knock Panama out of World Cup on Modrics 200th appearance
2 hours -
Four, including a juvenile, arrested over couple’s murder
2 hours -
Sex worker remanded for trafficking two victims
2 hours