Ghana has ability to surprise, says coach after draw

Ghana's Asamoah Gyan. Picture: Themba Hadebe/AP/File

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah said the 2-2 draw against DR Congo was an eye-opener.

Addressing the media at a press conference at their base in Port Elizabeth today, Appiah could not hide his disappointment at his team dropping two valuable points against the Leopards in their opening fixture yesterday.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t get off to a winning start but we must move on and think about our next game,” said Appiah, who marked his maiden Afcon as the head coach after serving as the deputy for a long time.

Ghana surrendered a 2-0 cushion against the Leopards yesterday and they need a win when they face group leaders Mali on Thursday to advance in the tournament.

The former national team captain said his youthful side was still “capable of surprising many people”.

However, Appiah warned that it won’t be easy against a side that is led by former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita.

“It is not only about Keita in that team as many of their players have been in the system for a long time.”

A victory for Mali, who beat Niger 1-0 on Sunday, will seal their path to the quarterfinals.

The Black Stars and Mali will kick off at 5pm while DRC and Niger will meet in another match, at 8pm, also on Thursday.

» Follow @daniemothowagae and @City_Press for more on Afcon coverage.