Pre-2019 AFCON captaincy changes: Kwesi Appiah got it wrong – Sammy Kuffour

Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour believes it was needless for Kwesi Appiah to change Asamoah Gyan as captain of the Black Stars prior to the commencement of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

Appiah took the captain’s armband from Gyan to Andre Ayew – a decision which nearly forced the former Sunderland striker to end national team duties had it not been the President of the land, Akuffo Addo.

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Due to the abysmal perfomance of the team during the tournament, many indcated that , the decision taken by Appiah was wrong and unnecessary.

“It was a bit disturbing for the NC. I could see that some people are hit somewhere. You could see that Asamoah [Gyan] was really hurt about the whole situation,” Kuffour said on Joy FM.

“It goes all the way to the President [Akufo-Addo] so NC had become limited. NC had nothing more to say about it. That is why the President came in and spoke to the two players with the coach and the [sports] ministry. In my view, it was a little bit hectic. Why couldn’t we wait until after the tournament then we make the change the captaincy?

“That period, Kwasi Appiah in my view should have probably had a second thought about the whole issue before making that decision [changing captains] and I think he [Asamoah Gyan] shouldn’t have said he wanted to retire. He should have calmed down. When you say those things, people may take it for granted.”

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“I would just leave it as it is [If I were Kwesi Appiah]. Asamoah Gyan is the captain. If he doesn’t play, Andre is the captain. Andre is like the second captain. He will wear the armband.”

“That will seal the case. For bringing Andre in and Asamoah out with the atmosphere and all that. They can laugh but within their hearts, how well would [they collaborate]?”

Black Stars haven’t won the Afcon trophy since 1982.

Credit:Myjoyonline