Appiah pivotal as Cesena defeat AC Milan

Published on: 12 September 2010

Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah was instrumental as promoted Cesena ruined Zlatan Ibrahimovic's debut by stunning Milan 2-0 at home.

The ex-Black Stars captain started the attack for his club's second goal as they sealed the important win.

He showed his career is on the right track as he played the entire duration of the game.

Albanian striker Erjon Bogdani's 31st minute header and a superb finish from his fellow forward Emanuele Giaccherini just before the break left visiting Milan in complete shock.

As Milan pushed forward they were caught again a minute before the break, Appiah's clearing header finding Bogdani, who rolled marker Sokratis Papastathopoulos and released Giaccherini to scamper in on goal and beat Cristian Abbiati with a crisp shot.

Ibrahimovic, who has joined from Barcelona, missed a late penalty as predictions the Swede could swing the Serie A championship race Milan's way this term after five straight Inter titles began to look premature.

Robinho, Milan's other big transfer window signing, came on for Ronaldinho in the second period but the Brazilian was stopped in his tracks by Appiah.

Appiah showed his experience as AC Milan could not silence the capacity 24,000 crowd in the small city near Rimini.

Tiny Cesena, who have made some smart acquisitions including Appiah, had served warning of their confidence by drawing 0-0 at Roma in their opener, but have gone one better against Milan.

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