Africa: Malawi Is No Ordinary Team – Appiah
Interview
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has admitted that Malawi is no ordinary team after his charges laboured to a 2-0 win in their 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last Saturday in Accra. Appiah is however hopeful his charges will be ready for the second leg in Blantyre in October. The Black Stars coach spoke to Cafonline.com after the match.
What accounted for your team’s false start against the Malawians?
In the first half, there was some level of tactical indiscipline from my players. We corrected that in the second half and it resulted in our improved performance.
What were you telling your players at that point?
Kwesi Appiah: Malawi is no ordinary team that you can just walkover. They were tactically disciplined and when playing against such a team, you don’t need to rush. When you go through one angle and the results are not forthcoming, you have to slow the game and rely on the counter or spot the loopholes in the opponent and capitalise on it. In the first half, we were rushing and that saw the Malawians dominate play.
What did you make of the Malawian team?
I made my players aware that the Malawians have a good team and will serve a big threat if you allow them to play. They showed that in the first half with dominance in possession and could have even scored. My players are professionals and when the need arises they can rise up to the challenge. The second half was a good example of the positive attitude of the team.
What will be your approach for the second leg in Blantyre next month?
The approach will be no different from the first leg. I hope the team will be in the best of shape to face the Malawians in their backyard.
What are your expectations of the second leg?
Kwesi Appiah: It is important that Ghanaians rally behind the team. We know the capabilities of the Malawians, but with the support of all, we will triumph. – CAF
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