Ethiopia game a must-win for Ghana - Coach Sarpong

Former Aduana Stars and Asante Kotoko coach J.E Sarpong says Ghana must go on the attack against Ethiopia in the penultimate game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Addis Ababa on November 18.

The Black Stars began the campaign on a high note after hammering The Walias 5-0 in the first leg in Kumasi but are currently four points adrift of the qualification mark, following their

defeat to leaders Kenya and the cancellation of the doubleheader against Sierra Leone by Caf.

Sarpong wants coach Kwesi Appiah to handle the upcoming clash with an attacking mindset in order to record a victory.

"The defeat against Kenya really affected the Black Stars because it has seen Ghana in the third position now qualification seems quite difficult but there is still a chance for the team to make amends against Ethiopia," he told Goal.

"I believe that in a game of this nature, Ghana must not employ a defensive plan because we need the three points badly. This is not like a knockout stage that involves two legs, where a coach can decide to rely on counter-attacks in the second leg because he won at home.

"Kwesi Appiah must throw caution to the wind but the strikers must also be very efficient in front of goal. Although, it is a game in a different territotry, we should make it a point to win because this is a must-win game for everybody since Ghanaians won't accept excuses," he added.

Ghana have been present at the AFCONfinals since 2006 while Ethiopia last qualified for the competition in 2013.