Claude Leroy has spoken highly of Ghana coach Akwasi Appiah ahead of their 2013 Nations Cup meeting on January 20.

The Black Stars open their Group B campaign against Congo DR who have the Frenchman as their coach.

The 64-year-old was coach of Ghana for two years – during which period he led the Black Stars to a bronze medal feat at the 2008 edition of the Nations Cup hosted on home soil.

The current Ghana coach, Appiah served as an assistant to Leroy during his reign which began in 2006.

Leroy however comes up against his former side, more particularly his ex trainee of whom he describes as ‘a gentleman’ in a move many might describe as a classical act of setting Ghana up for the great fall in January.

“The coach of Ghana, Kwasi (Appiah) is a gentleman, he was my assistant and I am very happy to meet him on any other day,” he said.

Ghana will play Mali and Niger in the other two group games all to be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.