Ghana assistant coach Tanko issues strong warning to Black Stars players

Kwesi Appiah's deputy says anymore lacklustre showing by players could see their end in the national team.

Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has lamented the attitude of some players in Saturday's defeat to Kenya in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Black Stars suffered their first reversal of the series by a 1-0 away loss in Nairobi, with Nicholas Opoku's first-half own goal proving costly.

The team has come under heavy criticism, particularly for their poor showing in the first stanza and their wastefulness in front of goal.

"Honestly speaking, I am very disappointed in some of them [players] because they played like there was nothing at stake,'' Tanko told Joy FM.

"If you saw the body language of some of them, it was very bad, so I think we as the technical team will have to watch the game again and talk to them.

"We have to let them know that this is the national team. It's for all Ghanaians, so if you think you can come and do what you want and go and expect us to call you again, there's nothing like that.

"Everyone will have to prove himself that he wants to play with the national team."

Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu and Royal Antwerp full-back Daniel Opare have been singled out by many for their poor display while the likes of Thomas Partey, Abdul Majeed Waris, Afriyie Acquah and Raphael Dwamena have been blasted for squandering begging chances.

The Black Stars return to action next month when they play Sierra Leone in a double-header in the qualifiers.

Kwesi Appiah's outfit is now tied on points with Kenya, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, who all have three points apiece.