Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho believes that the absence of Stephen Appiah was a major contributing factor in the national team’s disappointing showing at the World Cup 2014.
The former Ghana captain was recently a guest for the Speaker to witness a friendly match.
Regarded as one of finest players for Ghana over the last decade, Stephen Appiah was the captain of the national team during the 2006 and the 2010 World Cup. Ghana performed exceedingly well in these tournaments and Adjaho says that it was largely down to the leadership skills of Appiah.
The 34-year-old retired from all forms of football three years ago owing to a succession of injury problems. His international retirement came slightly earlier after the end of the 2010 World Cup.
During a successful international career that spanned from 1995 to 2010, Appiah made 67 appearances for the national team. He will recently be given a testimonial as a recognition for his services.
A number of top African players like Yaya Touré, Samuel Eto’o, and Didier Drogba, are expected to take part in this match. The World Cup 2014 was a major disappointment for African teams like Ghana, who failed to reach the knockout stages after finishing bottom of the group. It was particularly disappointing because expectations were so high – one website even offered just 2/1 on an African side reaching the Semi Finals.
“Your absence in Brazil speaks for itself in terms of unity and discipline. That was why this House was not happy with the level of indiscipline that was exhibited and the embarrassment and international disgrace that was brought upon this country.
Whatever skill that you have in you that enabled you achieve that purpose, that unity in camp, try to put that at the disposal of the current Black Stars. I will pray that you try hard to help the younger generation to achieve that purpose,” said Adjaho about Ghana’s former captain.