Soccer News of Monday, 21 January 2013

Source: GNA

"Tactical indiscipline cost us" - Appiah

Black Stars trainer, Kwasi Appiah has fingered his charges for tactical indiscipline following the team's two-all drawn game with DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on Sunday.

Ghana relinquished a 2-0 lead to draw with the Leopards and Appiah told GNA Sports in a post match interview that 'the boys exhibited tactical indiscipline which cost us.

"The game produced some hard truth for us because the boys decided to relax after taking the lead. Going forward, I think we will need to learn from our mistakes.

"We created a lot of opportunities because we played an opened game. But there were bits and pieces about our game which is not right. In terms of opening up the game and not defending well, we have to do something about that aspect too.'

On his decision to deploy Kwadwo Asamoah at the left back position instead of his favorite up-field position, Appiah said, 'he (Asamoah ) is a utility player who can play everywhere.

'I think he did very well in that position. I only pushed him forward in the latter part of the game because I saw most of the midfielders were tired. In that position as well, he excelled.'

Appiah, leading the team to a tournament for the first time as the head coach insists it is early days to discredit the team as genuine contenders despite the output of his charges today.

Ghana, chasing a fifth Nations Cup glory that spans over three decades next play Mali on Thursday.