2014 World Cup: "I did not favour foreign-based players''- Ghana coach Appiah

Published on: 13 May 2014
2014 World Cup: "I did not favour foreign-based players''- Ghana coach Appiah
Kwesi Appiah

By Rahman Osman

Follow Rahman on Twitter; @iamrahmanosman

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says he did not favour foreign-based players in naming his preliminary FIFA 2014 World Cup squad.

Appiah has suffered a thinly veiled attack for overlooking players from the Ghana Premier League.

Aduana Stars goalkeeper Stephen Adams was the only home-based player who was included in the provisional 26-man squad.

Critics say the ex-Ghana international could have handed more slots to stars performers in the top-flight.

Chairman of the Premier League Board Welbeck Abra-Appiah was the first to comment on the matter.

But Appiah insists his team selection had nothing to do with where players plied their trade.

“I selected the team looking for players who can deliver for the country but not on if you play in Ghana or you play abroad,” Appiah told Accra-based Asempa FM

“I sent about six to seven of the local guys to the last AFCON and I have seriously considered them but unfortunately most of the fell short of our target.

“I have not for once looked down on any player in the domestic league but this particular battle had most of them not making the cut.”

Ghana will take on Holland in their first pre-World Cup friendly on 31 May before wrapping up their preparations with another friendly against South Korea.

The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against the USA on 16 June in Natal.

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