We Target AFCON Trophy- Appiah

Ghana is Coach, Kwasi Appiah has said that his team is halfway through in its quest to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in South Africa.

The Black Stars of Ghana have won the Nations Cup four times previously —1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

The Black Stars secured their quarter final place with a convincing 3-0 win over Niger in Group B match on January 28.

However, Coach Appiah told a CAF Website that there was still much to be done to get to the top.

“We are halfway through and can do much better. Against Niger, the players were tactically disciplined in defence and attack.

“The players stepped up their performance and produced a good result and I have a lot of respect for the Nigerien team though,” he said.

Appiah, who won the Nations Cup as a player during the 1982 edition in Libya, said his team was getting better as the tournament progressed.

“For a team with 11 players making their debut at the Nations Cup, we are doing better and will peak as the tournament goes on.

“Now that we are finished with Niger, the concentration is on the next game at the quarter finals,” he said.

The Black Stars, as the Ghanaian team is known, notched up seven points en route the knockout stage and is billed to face Cape Verde in the quarter finals on Febuary 2.

On the Cape Verdeans, Appiah said: “Looking at how they have fared so well, it won’t be easy but we will do our best against them.’’

The Black Stars have not won the Nations Cup since 1982. Appiah was a member of the triumphant squad.