Appiah upset by ‘leaked’ squad report

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says his purported leaked 30-man squad for the 2014 World Cup is a hoax as he is yet to even finalize his team for June’s tournament in Brazil.

The Black Stars trainer returned to the country from official business in South Africa to the news of a leaked 30-man squad for the World Cup published by state owned Ghana News Agency.

The country’s news agency claim the published squad is what Kwesi Appiah has resolved to begin preparations with late next month.

The list which has stirred intense debate due to the inclusions of Isaac Vorsah, Jeffery Schlupp, Anthony Annan and Emmanuel Frimpong has already been rubbished by Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has also added his voice by describing the reported squad as ‘fake’ ahead of the official announcement on May 12.

“I travelled to South Africa and when I came back somebody said that there are names that have been leaked from the GFA and I am like I have not even sat down with my assistant to discuss the list,” Appiah told AllSports.

“Until the 12th of May every list that you will hear consider it fake.” The nation has been gripped with suspense ahead of the naming of the provisional squad for the World Cup.

Appiah however says he has a fair idea of the players he will be inviting for the grand tournament in Brazil.

“Every coach by now should have a fair idea of his squad particularly when by FIFA rules all squads are to be sent by the 13th of May,” he added.

“I have said that I will meet the management and for that matter all Ghanaians to let them know the team on the 12th of May.

“It is normal to speculate but we all need to exercise patience before the 30 is announced.

“I still have not decided yet but I may go with 25 or 26 to play the Holland game and then bring the number down to 23 because the list to FIFA has to be submitted by 2nd June so there is no rush.

“We pray and hope that there will be no injuries during our training sessions.”