Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac has confirmed excusing Ghana captain Stephen Appiah for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier against Mali in June.
The offensive player has been forced to pull out of the 32-man Black Stars list announced by the Sebian last week for upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier against Mali next month due to family issues.
Rajevac, confirming his captain’s withdrawal to www.ghanafa.org stated that he hopes Appiah successfully deals with the matters in order to make a return for any subsequent Ghana games.
“At this moment, it is best for himself (Appiah), the team and the entire nation. It wouldn’t be appropriate to force him to honour any game when there are other pressing matters on the table.
“I expect total commitment from any player I call and I know Appiah has a good mentality but physiologically, it would be too much for him. We are up for a crucial game and we need everyone fully prepared.
“Despite his absence, we have enough quality to go away to Mali and play,” the Ghana coach told www.ghanafa.org.
Appiah sought clearance from Rajevac and the Black Stars management team to be excused from the game in Bamako on June 7.
However he expects to be available for the third qualifying game against Sudan in Omdurman on June 20.
“I spoke to the GFA and the management team and they were very understanding,” Appiah said.
“Once I have resolved this issue I am hoping to be in Ghana around the middle of June and if the management team are happy for me to return for the Sudan game then I will happily do so.
“However, I have asked them to exclude me from both games because it will be unfair on the other players if I just turn up for one game and not the other.”