Kwesi Appiah Rules Out Immediate Return to Ghana as Black Stars Coach

• Former Ghana defender Kwesi Appiah wants to focus on his Sudan job despite interest from the Black Stars
• The ex-Asante Kotoko captain led Sudan to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of his country, Ghana
• Appiah coached Ghana for two stints, leading the Black Stars at two AFCON tournaments and the 2014 World Cup

Kwesi Appiah has rejected an immediate return to the Black Stars as Ghana coach.

The former Ghana international led Sudan to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the Black Stars.

Sudan and Ghana were in the same group, but the North Africans picked four points against the four-time African champions to secure their place in Morocco.

Appiah led Sudan to a famous victory in Libya after a draw in Accra a few days earlier.

Following the West African heavyweight's failure to qualify for AFCON, there have been calls for Appiah to return as coach.

Read also

"They Are All Contractors": Shatta Wale Discloses Intentions of GFA Members

"If you are a professional coach, you will always have to keep in mind that you must be ready for any opportunity, but as of now, I have a contract with Sudan," he told Asempa FM, as quoted by Ghana Soccernet.

"For now, I am focused on what I am doing with Sudan but for now, I don't want to say anything because I don't want to contradict myself," he added.

Ghana does not need Appiah

Following the news of Appiah ruling out a return to the Black Stars immediately, YEN.com.gh spoke to veteran journalist William Graham, who stated that it will not be ideal to bring back the Sudan coach.

"Appiah has paid his dues. It's unfortunate the Black Stars have sunk low and extremely underperformed since he left. But, he has been with the team twice already and we saw what he did. I think the team needs someone fresh or probably we can give Otto Addo a little time to see what he can do," he said.

Read also

Memphis Depay Returns to Ghana, Watches Juvenile Boxing Competition: Video

"I think Otto Addo has an ideology, which when we allow to him to work independently could work for the national team."

Sudan beat Ghana in Libya

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Sudan ended Ghana's hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 win in Libya in the qualifiers.

A strong second-half display from the North Africans saw Ghana concede twice in quick succession.

Sudan edged Ghana to qualify for the tournament in Morocco next year.

Source: YEN.com.gh