Former Ghana Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah has revealed how comments made by Ghana’s current coach, Otto Addo, served as a crucial source of motivation for his Sudanese team during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The decisive return leg, played in Libya, saw Sudan put up a spirited performance.
Recalling the events in an interview, Kwesi Appiah recounted a candid exchange with Otto Addo after the first leg in Accra. “After the game in Accra, I went to Ghana’s dressing room to exchange pleasantries with the players and technical staff. When I got there, Otto Addo told me we were lucky. He also warned me that we will not be lucky in Libya,” Appiah said.
Rather than being discouraged by the remarks, Appiah saw an opportunity to inspire his players. “This is football. I took it as motivation, and I told my players about the encounter,” he added during the radio interview.
The return fixture in Libya proved to be a tightly contested match, with Sudan drawing energy from Appiah’s words to defy expectations.
Appiah’s leadership and ability to channel external comments into positive motivation reflect his vast experience in African football. Sudan’s remarkable performance highlights Appiah’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his squad.
