'I don’t think my absence affected the team'

Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu insists his absence from the home-based Black Stars team’s camp for about a week had no effect on the result secured in Sunday’s 2016 CHAN qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire.

The home-based Black Stars labored to secure a vital 2-1 win over the Ivorians in the first leg of the ultimate qualifier for next year’s tournament.

A more convincing scoreline was expected from the Ghana team to ensure the return encounter in Ivory Coast is rendered a mere formality.

The 2-1 result now means the Black Stars will need to play out of their skin to get the desired result against a very good Ivorian side coached by the experienced Michel Dussuyer.

Critics however believe Maxwell Konadu’s departure from camp to be with the Black Stars for the international friendly game with Canada affected the team’s preparations for the match.

But Konadu insists there was a thorough program drawn by the technical staff to follow and that this plan was well executed even in his absence.

“We did the program together and they followed everything we left on paper,” he said.

“So I came to continue from where I left after returning. Dauda and Yaw Preko did a good job so I don’t think my absence affected the team.”

Ghana will have to ultimately avoid defeat or secure a good result in the return leg to ensure they qualify for their fourth successive appearance at the CHAN tournament.