Black Stars head coach, Kwesi Appiah, insists he remains focused on his job despite his contract nearing expiration.

Appiah’s contract will end in December. He was handed a six-month contract extension prior to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after his initial two-year deal expired.

“The most important thing is being on contract until the end of December. I want to make sure I do the best that I can. As to whether I would love to continue or the management would like me to continue, I think that will be decided after,” Appiah said in an interview with Joy Sports’ Benedict Owusu.

He was speaking after the Black Stars secured their second straight win in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe on Monday.

Black Stars won by a solitary goal scored via a penalty converted by Jordan Ayew in the second half.

He commended the performance of São Tomé and Príncipe but claimed Black Stars players were not impressed with the nature of the astroturf at Estádio Nacional 12 de Julho.

“Even though we won, I think the Sao Tome team played well, tactically. Anytime they lost the ball, they all came behind the ball and wherever the ball went, they made sure they had a lot of people there and playing against a team with six [at the] back is always difficult,” Appiah said.

He added; “...the pitch as well; the players were complaining about the controls and running [which were difficult] but on a whole, I think we did well. We had most of the possession but sometimes we missed a lot of chances that we could have scored.”

It has been a difficult year for the Black Stars as they exited AFCON in Egypt at the last 1/16 stage.

However, Kwesi Appiah will be excited his side has wrapped up the year on a high note with two straight wins.

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