Ex-Ghana defender John Paintsil discloses how he fought Osei Kuffour at AFCON 2002

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Former Ghana defender John Paintsil has revealed that he fought Emmanuel Osei Kuffour during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations Cup.

According to Paintsil, he was bullied by Osei Kuffour in the Black Stars camp during the 2002 AFCON tournament in Mali.

The former Fulham right-back says he exchanged blows with the Hearts of Oak legend during an interview an Kasapa FM.

“I fought with one of my seniors during that tournament. Emmanuel Kuffour the General is that player. He brought the fight. He was bullying and making life uncomfortable for me in camp. I know he will laugh over it now because we have moved on. He really made feel bad in camp so one day I just couldn’t tolerate him any longer so I threw the punch, he replied and we fought."

“The national team was rough at that time but I think we were rebuilding. There was no unity among the players because everyone felt he was a senior," he said.

The Black Stars were quarter-finalist in their tournament as hopes of a fifth title were dashed by 1-0 defeat to Nigeria.

The chaos and disorderliness in the team in that tournament can also be realized in the axing of Sammy Kuffour from the team’s camp.

Officials say the former Bayern defender was sacked for being indiscipline but he recently in an interview with Joy FM rejected those claims.