Renard lauds Agyemang-Badu’s maturity

Bata, Feb.6, GNA – Zambia coach Herve Renard has made public his love for the playing style of Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu at the ongoing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Udinese midfielder was one of the players brought into the national team by Claude Le Roy, who was assisted by Renard at the time and has known no turning back.

For the Frenchman, the superb goal scored by Agyemang-Badu during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Guinea at the group phase confirms his maturity.

“He is one player I admire so much. We were with him in the first CHAN team. I congratulate him on that fantastic goal,” Renard told GNA Sports in Bata.

“He has an amazing spirit and has matured into a very good player,” he added. The 44-year old Frenchman tips the Ghanaians as favourites over their Tunisian counterparts in Sunday’s quarter final, with the winner due to face his team Zambia at the semis.

“Tunisia is a strong team but Ghana remains favourite. They (Ghana) have a lot of experience at this level and good players.”

A semi final clash against Ghana will serve opportunity to silence his doubters after being touted as a Physical trainer during his stint with the Black Stars from 2006-2008.