Kwesi Appiah is expecting his Black Stars to rediscover their shine when they meet Uganda in Kumasi on Saturday.
Ghana are meeting for the first time since their participation at the World Cup in Brazil, with the Cranes match the first of two-quick qualifying matches for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup ahead of their qualifier in Togo next week.
The build-up has been overshadowed by off-field matters on the back of their World Cup exit in the first round.
Some negativity has surrounded the Black Stars since then, but Appiah insists the team will need to pull together with the jury still out on them.
“Automatically, there’s pressure not because of the up-coming match but due to the distractions created by our disappointing World Cup campaign,” Appiah told www.ghanafa.org on Monday in Kumasi.
“Ideally, we would have expected to be enjoying all the plaudits but that is not the case now. We hope to draw important lessons from that experience and shine again.
“I trust our fans to stick by us as we begin another important campaign. Their support is key so we can all have another opportunity to dream again.”
Appiah hopes to put his best foot forward for the opening Group E contest at the Baba Yara Stadium and he trusts his called up players to be up for a tough game against Uganda.
“We have to start well. We want to win and that is our focus. However, we are expecting a tough game,” he said.
“Uganda come in with no pressure compared to us. Football always defies the rule book so nothing can be left to chance.
“Our opponents will come in seeking to win just like we will be doing. It’s a very important start for either side but one that we must strive to get out of the way.
“Their last encounter here in 2005 ended in a draw so they will be aware of what they can do even though it’s been a while since they played at the Nations Cup.
“Expectations will be high but we must deal with it and deliver a good performance.”
Credit: ghanafa.org
