Ghana coach lashes out at call-up critics

Goran Stevanovic has angrily lashed out at those questioning the quality of players called for the Sudan game insisting they want to 'destroy' the Black Stars.

The Ghana coach said last month that players who don't get playing time with their clubs in Europe could be axed from the team.

When the Serbian named his squad for Saturday's game against Sudan it was met with virulent hostility from a section of the press who questioned the exclusion of Andre Ayew and goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Despite beating Sudan 2-0 to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations with a perfect record without the two players, Stevanovic's critics snipe on. When a journalist quizzed the coach over the inclusion of John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and John Pantsil claiming they don’t play much for their clubs, the coach said they are the best to help the country.

"I had my vision of the game against Sudan. I watched the Sudan team three or four times and I made my decision on who can help us to win the game," Stevanovic said.

"After this great victory in Sudan we all need to be happy about this. The soft-spoken Black Stars coach angrily asked: "Why do we need to talk about negative things - why?

"Does somebody want to destroy us and destroy the atmosphere, unity and spirit of the team?," he asked.

"Once gain I congratulate the players for the good performance and good effort.

"I am the coach I take the decision and I stand by my decisions." Ghana finished top of Group I of the qualifiers by scoring 13 goals and conceding just one.