Ghana Name Interim Coach as Kwesi Appiah Departs Ahead of Guinea Double-Header
By BBC News Staff
Kwesi Appiah will not be on the touchline for Ghana during their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea, following his dismissal by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The decision marks the end of Appiah’s tenure with the Black Stars, just as the team prepares for back-to-back fixtures on matchdays three and four of the CAN 2015 qualifiers.
The GFA has received 18 applications for the vacant head coach position, but no permanent appointment has been made. With time running short before the upcoming qualifiers, the federation has opted to install an interim coach to guide the team, which will again be led on the pitch by captain Asamoah Gyan.
“Given the timeframe, it will not be possible to have a national coach for these two matches,” GFA Executive Committee member Fred Pappoe told the BBC. “At the GFA, we are working on refining the application files to keep only six at the end of this week.”
Ghana’s search for a new head coach comes at a critical juncture, as the Black Stars look to solidify their position in Group E, where they are currently level on points with Cameroon and DR Congo. The decision to part ways with Appiah follows months of speculation about his future, particularly in the wake of a disappointing 2014 World Cup campaign.
Despite the uncertainty at the managerial level, the GFA remains confident that the squad, led by experienced players such as Gyan and André Ayew, can maintain focus and secure vital points against a Guinea side known for its unpredictability.
The upcoming matches will serve as a crucial test not only for the players but also for the GFA’s interim management team, who must steady the ship until a permanent coaching appointment is made.
The new head coach is expected to be named after the October qualifiers, once the shortlist is finalised and interviews are completed. Until then, Ghana will rely on its experienced core and homegrown coaching staff to navigate this important phase of the campaign.
Reporting by BBC News.
