Afcon 2019 : Coach Kwasi Appiah cautiously optimistic against Tunisia
7th July 2019
The Black Stars of Ghana face Tunisia in their round of 16 clash at the African Cup of Nations.
Ahead of the game, coach of the Black Stars James Kwasi Appiah in his pre-match conference downplayed his team’s tag as favourites citing the uncharacteristic manner in which holders Cameroon, host nation Egypt and tournament favourites Morocco have all exited the tourney.
The Ghana coach despite been cautious has promised an entertaining game at the Ismailia stadium.
“Tomorrow’s match will be entertaining from both sides and Tunisia is one of the strong teams in the tournament.
I believe in my team and they’ll perform well tomorrow. Football now doesn’t depend on history.
We’re not the favourites after the former champions and the tournament host exited as well as Morocco. As you see in this competition there are no favourites but we’ll give our best to qualify” he assured.
Tunisia finished runners up in a group made up of Mauritania, Mali, Angola by managing a draw against all three sides.
Despite not winning a game the Tunisia side boast of dangerous players such as set piece expert Wabhi Khazri, exciting winger Yosef Msakni who has scored three goals so far in the competition.
Ghana last defeated Tunisia 2 nil at the quarter final stage at the 2012 Afcon co-hosted by Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.