I was lucky to be included in 2010 World Cup squad- Stephen Appiah

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has candidly admitted that he was fortunate to be included in Ghana’s squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Appiah acknowledged the challenges faced by aging players in securing a spot amidst the influx of younger talents following Ghana’s 2009 U-20 World Cup triumph.

“In 2010, I was lucky to be part of the team. If Agyemang-Badu was okay, maybe I wouldn’t have been part of the 2010 World Cup which would have been difficult,” Appiah revealed. He emphasized the importance of balancing the inclusion of senior players with emerging young talents in the national team.

“You can have senior players in the team and if you let them understand that this time there are certain good players in the team but be around you may get either 20 or 10 minutes which depends on how you train,” he explained. Appiah noted that the presence of senior players often helps maintain discipline and focus within the team. “When some of the players see senior players in camp, they won’t even think of misbehaving. So we have to know how to handle senior players in the national team.”

Ghana’s 2010 World Cup campaign was historic, with the team reaching the quarter-finals for the first time after a thrilling 2-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16. Appiah’s leadership and experience were invaluable during this successful run.

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His reflections come at a time when the latest Black Stars squad has been announced without some notable players, sparking discussions about the balance between youth and experience in the team. Appiah believes that while young talents should be given opportunities, it is crucial to manage senior players thoughtfully to benefit the team overall.

The Black Stars are gearing up for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, scheduled for June 6 and 10, respectively. As the team prepares for these important fixtures, Appiah’s insights underscore the importance of strategic squad management to achieve success on the international stage.