Don’t underrate Malawi, warns Ghana coach

In his weekly address to reporters, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah said it will be folly for the Black Stars to underrate Malawi in the return match of the African Nations Cup qualifiers to be played in Lilongwe.

Appiah was reacting to the expectations of most Ghanaians who thought the Black Stars would wallop the Flames in the first leg and were disappointed with the 2-0 results.

Appiah, however, hailed the result which he says came against a good side.

“Gone are the days when you can say this team cannot play or you are going to beat that team. That is no longer the case. I made my players aware not to underrate the Malawians,” said Appiah who, however, told the reporters that he will make sure Black Stars defend their lead and progress to the next round.

“Everybody saw how tactically disciplined they were in the game. They played well and could have even scored. That is why we must be happy to have won so comfortably and I am sure we can go there to do a lot better,” Appiah told reporters.

Despite widespread condemnation targeted at national coach Kinnah Phiri for the loss in Accra, the coach maintains the Flames can turn the tables at home.

“Nothing is impossible in football. We had a good game in Accra despite not scoring and we can beat them here. I will not be distracted by critics, but concentrate on my task of beating Ghana,” said Kinnah.

Meanwhile, the Flames will go into camp on September 23 in readiness for the return match.