Kwesi Appiah: "My Biggest Problem Is With My Left Back Position"

Ghana has, for at least the last six years, had a problem with its left-back slot. And six months after having access to the team, Kwesi Appiah is still worried about the shakiness of the position - and the right back, too. At least ten players have, together, been given a crack at the position since Addoquaye Pappoe (left back) and John Paintsil (right back) at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but four coaches and five tournaments later, the headache remains. "My biggest problem is with my left back position and I must say that I am not too sure about my right back too and that's why I am still on the lookout for solutions," the gaffer told supersport.com exclusively. Ghana's left backs employed since Appiah took over the job in April have been Harrison Afful and Razak Nuhu , with the right backs being Samuel Inkoom and John Paintsil . Successive opponents have tried to exploit that weakness in Ghana's lineup, which is usually strong in midfield and, in recent years, decent in attack. The cushion coaches have used to prevent burdens on the team's left and right backs has been to play strong wingbacks, who have provided support. The Black Stars go into the next African Cup with a strong record in the past recent events, having made the semis in the last three. Once again, a strong setup is expected to go past the group stage, and the coach believes a good showing is not beyond the side. "It is a daunting task but not one that is insurmountable and if I look at the determination on the faces of our players and the help that management has been giving us so far, we can end the drought." The drought Appiah speaks of is the thirty year wait of his country for a trophy from the continent's most prestigious competition.