Stephen Appiah backs Black Stars despite Kirin Cup defeats

Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has offered a positive assessment of the Black Stars’ performances in the 2025 Kirin Cup, despite back-to-back defeats to Japan and South Korea.

The four-time African champions lost 2-0 to Japan at the Toyota Stadium before falling 1-0 to South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Ghana failed to score across both fixtures, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yet Appiah, who famously captained Ghana at their debut World Cup in Germany 2006 and again marshalled the team in South Africa 2010, praised the current team’s effort and growth.

“I’m so happy with the performance of the guys especially in the second game against South Korea. Against Japan the second half they played well [and] against South Korea they played better,” Appiah told Kobe Boujee.
“At times it’s not only about the results but about the performance. You watch certain games and you see teams losing but you see the fans applauding them — that means they gave everything. That’s what our guys did.”

Appiah also welcomed the opportunity for fringe players to gain valuable minutes, noting that many had been in camp for months without game time. He believes such platforms are crucial for squad depth and development.

Leadership On and Off the Pitch

Currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Appiah brings his wealth of playing experience to the team’s strategic direction. His illustrious career included spells at Hearts of Oak, Parma, Brescia, Udinese, Juventus, Fenerbahce, Bologna, Cesena, and Vojvodina.

Road to the 2026 World Cup

Despite the Kirin Cup setbacks, Ghana have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, topping Group I with 25 points. It will be the Black Stars’ fifth appearance at the global showpiece, following campaigns in 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), 2014 (Brazil), and 2022 (Qatar).