Ghana won't sack coach for Nations Cup title failure

Ghana will not sack its coach Goran Stevanovic if the Black Stars fail to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, says Kwesi Nyantakyi.

But the Ghana FA boss insists the Serbian coach will be fired if he to blame for the team’s failure in Africa’s flagship tournament.

Black Stars impressive run in the qualifiers and superlative display at the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals make them one of favourites for the continental silverware.

Ghana have not won the African title since 1982 in Libya and there is pressure on the current pack of players to make history.

Nyantakyi told Kickoff that failure to win the tournament will not automatically mean that the Serbian will be fired from the post.

“It’s not a clear cut situation but we are all hoping to win so it does not become an issue at all,” Nyantakyi said.

“It is very clear that the Nations Cup is our objective. But at the end of the day if you are appraising a staff and the person has not met the targets then the reason for not achieving the objective are not his then you could compromise.

“But if the blame can be laid at his doorstep then there is no compromise.”

The Ghana FA boss insists, Stevanovic who has been in charge of the Black Stars for nearly one year, has brought some positive changes to the dynamic team.

The Black Stars were defensively minded under previous coach Milovan Rajevac and Nyantakyi insists Stevanovic has overly impressed since taking charge.

“I have no doubt at all about his competences and capabilities. He has discharged himself creditably since he has been in charge,” Nyantakyi said in reference to Stevanovic.

“In all the assignments that he has undertaken has convinced us he is the right man for the job. He is very offensive minded.

“Both him and Rajevac are tacticians but while Rajevac was defensive minded, this coach has been offensive minded which suits us.

“He has good control over the team and players, he tries to instill discipline, team work and proper work ethic and that for every team is hugely important.”

Stevanovic has won some important matches since taking charge including the important away wins over Congo and Sudan as well as the impressive 1-1 draw in the historic friendly against England at Wembley.

The Black Stars impressed in the friendly against Brazil but they lost 1-0.

Ghana are in Group D alongside minnows Botswana, Mali and Guinea.