2014 World Cup: Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah defends dropping Kevin-Prince Boateng and Michael Essien

Published on: 17 June 2014
2014 World Cup: Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah defends dropping Kevin-Prince Boateng and Michael Essien
Kevin-Prince Boateng was a second half substitute.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has explained why he did not start experienced duo Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng in their FIFA World Cup opener against USA on Monday.

Appiah preferred to name six rookies in his starting line-up in their 2-1 defeat to the Yanks in Natal.

The ex-Ghana captain shuffled his cards as they were chasing the equalizer after going down early on from a Clint Dempsey strike.

Boateng replaced Ayew just before the hour and the Schalke 04 playmaker brought some attacking verve to the team.

AC Milan’s Essien took the position of Rabiu on 71 minutes and that helped the Black Stars to push for the equalizer 13 minutes later through Andre Ayew.

But an 86th minute goal from substitute John Brooks gave USA the three points and lay their bogey to rest.

Appiah claims he has no regrets and praised the debutants for putting up a brave showcase despite the defeat.

“I belie that young guys who played did well and my intention was to bring them on when the US team get tired but these things happen," Appiah said in a post match interview.

“Kevin is good player. We decide to start with the 4-4-2 and I thought that Jordan and Gyan paired very well during our training sessions and that is the reason why I decided to start them.

“The tactics was that bring Kevin on in the second half.”

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