Kwesi Appiah explains team selection for Japan, Iceland friendlies

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has shed light on the omission of some big names from his latest squad for upcoming games against Japan and Iceland. 

While there was space for Levante’s sensation Emmanuel Boateng and Bayern Munich striker Kwasi Okyere Wriedt, the coach had no place for captain Asamoah Gyan, deputy skipper Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Daniel Amartey, Christian Atsu, Ebenezer Ofori, Jeffrey Schlupp, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, John Boye and Abdul Majeed Waris.

The Black Stars play World Cup-bound Japan on May 30 before facing another World Cup-bound side Iceland on June 7.

“There are a lot of players I didn’t invite and I didn’t do so because they are not performing” Appiah told Sportsworldghana.

“Players like Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew and Andre Ayew are all players who have been tried and tested over the years.

“Ghanaians and the entire world know what they are capable of doing, so I feel this is the perfect opportunity for me to try Emmanuel Boateng and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt in our quest to parade a strong team for our upcoming Afcon qualifying remaining matches.

“These are the only friendly games we have to play before we resume our qualifiers, so if you want to try new players, then this certainly is the right time to try them.”

Ghana are trying to put their team in order ahead of the 2019 Afcon qualifying in September, having failed to secure a ticket for this summer's World Cup in Russia. 

The Black Stars, who are set to play away to Kenya on matchday two, currently sit top of Group F.