2006 World Cup squad was 'something else' - Stephen Appiah

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has eulogised Ghana’s 1992 Africa Cup of Nations squad, describing it as the best national squad he has seen.

Stephen Appiah made history by captaining the Black Stars to a first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006. The team made a second round appearance.

The 2006 squad was made up of the likes Appiah, Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, Laryea Kingston, John Mensah et al. Their world cup feat have led many to compare them with the 1992 squad that had the likes of Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Tony Baffoe, and reached the final of the 1992 AFCON.

Appiah when asked to separate the two, opted to go with the 1992 squad.

He told 3News, “For me it was the 1992 squad. We had Edward Ansah, Nii Dodoo Ankrah, our former coach Kwesi Appiah, Frimpong Manso, Emmanuel Armah, Tony Baffoe, Stanley Aborah, Nii Odartey Lamptey ,Tony Yeboah”

“When we were growing up, these were the players we were watching, wanted to be like. It was amazing watching them at the Africa Cup of Nations.”

The former Juventus midfielder went on to label the 2006 squad as the best he played in.

“The 2006 squad was something else. The players on the bench were equal to those on the pitch,” he said.

“When we played against USA, we all saw Haminu Dramani’s performance but he didn’t start our first two games. Derek Boateng was as good as myself and Michael Essien

“At the back, Shila Illiasu replaced Osei Kuffour against Czech Republic and we saw his performance. It was an all round team. Those who were on the bench as good as the first 11. Michael Essien was playing so well at Chelsea and Muntari was playing very well too. We had Asamoah Gyan was performing in his club, Olele was like a stopper. It was an all round team.”