Appiah psyches Atsu after unfamiliar debut

Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah has begun psyching talented midfielder Christian Atsu after a false start by the youngster at the 2103 Africa Cup of Nations.

The FC Porto midfielder was quiet throughout the Stars opener against DR Congo last Sunday in Port Elizabeth and had to be replaced by Rabiu Mohammed early in the second half.

Appiah told GNA Sports that the heavy weight of expectations might have had a negative influence and needs to be psyched up to get back to his best.

“I have been speaking to Atsu after the game with DR Congo. I’m trying to psyche him up because this is a big tournament and it’s always difficult for some players to get off on a high note.

“We have to raise his confidence level and he will get better.” The Stars trainer is optimistic the 21-year old will get to his best in the remaining games.

“In the remaining games, everybody will see the stuff he (Atsu) is made of,” he concluded.

Atsu is one of 11 debutants in the Ghana squad at the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hoping to end the nation’s wait for the continental title since 1982.