‘US game will be tough’

Ex-Ghana skipper Stephen Appiah has stated that Ghana’s opening World Cup game against the United States will be tough.

In an interview during a GFA special awards program for its sponsors in Accra recently, he said the Ghana-USA game would be the toughest for the Black Stars among the group games.

The former Juventus midfielder indicated that factors like Ghana beating the Americans at the world stage on two occasions and being the opening game, make the tie highly uncompromising.

“I believe our game against the US would be the toughest. It is our first game and that makes it more difficult because we have beaten them twice and they will be coming with full force to avenge the defeats,” said Appiah.

Appiah, who has been roped in to beef up the backroom staff of Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, told the press the gargantuan nature of the first game notwithstanding, Ghana would sail through.

“I believe in the Black Stars. They will make it through the group stage. Things have changed now. In 2006, it was our first time so nobody gave us a dog’s chance but we surprised everybody.

“We improved four years on, and we will go a step further and possibly win the trophy this time around, and that makes it difficult but we will make it.”

He expressed satisfaction about the technical team deeming it fit to extend an invitation to him to be part of the team.

“I am very happy for this role. It happens in Europe and other parts of the world where former players are called upon to put their services at the disposal of their various national teams,” he added.