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Johnson advises Ghana against 'unnecessary pressure' in Afcon quest

Former Ghana international Sam Johnson believes "unnecessary pressure" and interference in the job of Black Stars' coach James Kwesi Appiah could jeopardise the team's chances of winning the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

The west Africans, drawn in Group F for the June 21 - July 19 championship, have set their sights on winning the trophy and ending a 37-year drought. Their last of four titles came in 1982.

"We should avoid piling unnecessary pressure on the coach," said former Anderlecht and Fenerbahce midfielder Johnson to Light FM.

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Johnson represented Ghana at four Afcons between 1994 and 2000.

"He has learned his job and is undertaking it so we are making and prescribing players for the team here and that must be avoided.

"Heavy criticisms must also stop.

"Let's rather throw our support behind the team.

"Thirty-seven years [of waiting for the trophy] is enough! Let's support him [Appiah] massively."

Ghana have been pitted against Cup holders Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.

The Black Stars are set to open their campaign against The Squirrels on June 25, four days before facing the Indomitable Lions. 

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