Appiah taking no chances against Sudan

Accra , Sept. 29, GNA - Ghana Black Stars stand-in coach, Kwesi Appiah has said that he is taking no chances against the Desert Hawks of Sudan in the day two clash of the Orange CAN 2012 qualifiers on October 10 in Kumasi.

Appiah, who is the caretaker coach in the absence of a substantive trainer for the Black Stars told GNA Sports that he will approach the game with all the 'seriousness it deserves."

The last meeting involving the two sides ended 2-0 in favour of the Stars, but that result serves no reason for the former Kumasi Asante Kotoko captain and defender to doubt the capabilities of the 1970 African champions.

"Sudan have a good team and they beat Congo 2-0 in their most recent game. The last we played them, the cross bar denied them some scoring opportunities and we can't afford to underrate them."

The soft-spoken Appiah observed that his approach to the game will be no different than playing against any 'high profile' team, despite the fact that his team is considered the favourites.

"We will approach the game like any big game. It is normal for people to say that we are the favourites judging by our performance at the last World Cup.

"But in modern football, there are no small teams and the game is developing very fast across the world."

Appiah reckons a tough opposition from the Desert Hawks with his sight fixed on the maximum points to boost the team's chances of qualifying for the 28th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event.

The Stars beat Swaziland 3-0 in the opening Group 'I' clash in Mbabane earlier this month, which incidentally was the last game for the Stars under Milovan Rajevac.

The Serbian has since joined Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli, a scenario which has compelled the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to elevate Appiah to the top seat whilst the appointment of a replacement intensifies.

The former Black Stars captain deputized for Rajevac during his two-year tenure as Ghana coach.