Legend Stephen Appiah wants ceasefire on criticism and abuse of Ghana coach

Published on: 21 February 2013

Ex-Ghana star Stephen Appiah has appealed to soccer fans not to over-criticize coach Kwesi Appiah following the country’s failure to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Appiah has been subjected to massive verbal abuse by some fans who turned on him as the reality and pain of failure became inevitable after placing fourth at the continental showpiece in South Africa.

Fans plunged into mourning after the Black Stars crashed out at the semi-final stage, losing to Burkina Faso at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit.

The pain was even compounded when they lost the third-and-fourth placed match to Mali sparking calls for Appiah’s removal.

But the ex-Ghanaian defender has been backed by his masters who have called on the fans to reflect on the issue soberly.

The former Ghana skipper said on Thursday that while he understood the pain endured by the fans, it is important to calm down and reflect on the bigger picture.

“We have to look ahead and stop the culture of sacking coaches when things go wrong,” Appiah told Happy FM

“What is the point in sacking the coach? I don’t think that is the solution.

“Even if we bring in Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho and the root causes are not dealt with, it will amount to nothing.

“There is nothing even the two renowned coaches can do. So for me we should give him all the necessary support.”

Coach Appiah has confirmed he will ring changes to his squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Sudan on March 24.

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