Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah positive about future despite third-place defeat

Published on: 10 February 2013

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah insists there are plenty of positives to build on despite Ghana's 3-1 defeat to Mali in Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off.

The Black Stars failed to dust themselves off their semi-final defeat to Burkina Faso against a Seydou Keita-inspired Eagles side for the bronze medal.

Ghana conceded first when Mahamadou Samasa headed home on 21 minutes unmarked inside the box.

Mali captain and talisman Keita doubled the lead just after the break with a calm finish and in between that Kwadwo Asamoah scored a beauty from 20 yards.

But Patrice Carteron's side were still not content as second half substitute Sigamary Diarra slotted in the third in stoppage time.

Appiah, who is expected to maintain his job, explained what accounted for his side's defeat in Port Elizabeth.

"I personally believe they performed very well, It is unfortunate. When you have your chances and don’t take it, that is where sometimes you see experience and those coming up," Appiah said at a post-match conference.

"Considering that fact that I have so many [young players] in the team, I believe they will do well anytime they are given this opportunity again because by then, they would have had experience in playing in competitions.''

Ghana were beaten 2-0 by Mali for third place at the 2012 edition which was co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

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