Ghana Football Association’s Technical Director, Francis Oti-Akenten, and former Black Stars striker, Augustine Ahinful, have lauded Coach Kwasi Appiah for players he has selected as his provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup.
While Oti-Akenten has described it as a team selected with a lot of 'technical and tactical consideration', Ahinful describes it as the 'best available to Ghana at the moment.'
The two men, also members of the GFA Technical Committee, said instead of criticising Appiah's team, Ghanaians should lend their support to motivate the players to give their best when they eventually play at the World Cup.
In seperate interviews with the Daily Graphic in reaction to the naming of the Stars’ provisional squad last Monday, Oti Akenten, said every player named deserved to be in the team as they had worked hard for both club and country.
"Kwasi Appiah could not have chosen a more solid squad. At the moment, this is the best from the lot and I don't believe anyone will query the inclusion of these player.
"The presence of particularly, Jeffrey Schlupp should not come as a surprise to anyone as he has been consistent and his club. Indeed, Appiah has monitored him for the past two years and he believes he is good enough to strengthen his defence. Perhaps, he will be vindicated or proved wrong when he fields him in the friendly against the Netherlands," Oti Akenten said.
Ahinful also said he was particularly happy that Coach Appiah had chosen a fine blend of experienced and determined players.
"For me, the players chosen are the best we have now. I don't know anyone better who has been left out.
"Of course, had John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah been fit, they definitely would have been my first choice because their experience is valuable. They are not so we should support the players chosen so they can be motivated to do their best," Ahinful said.
He also commended Appiah for going along with 26 players instead of 30 which he would have pruned down to 23.
"Cutting down the number at that point comes with a lot of psychological trauma for most players, especially the younger ones and I'm happy that he has spared the players that ordeal.
"I'm an advocate for a straight 23-man squad and a standby team and I commend Coach Appiah for his decision," Ahinful said.
