Competition : 2010 CAN/World Cup qualifiers
Teams: Ghana v Mali
Match Venue: Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi - Ghana
Date: November, 15 2009
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has welcomed Stephen Appiah's signing for Bologna, a move which ensures he remains active in the run up to the 2010 Nations Cup and the World Cup.
Rajevac has kept faith with Appiah ever since assuming the reigns of the Ghana job at time when the midfielder was without a club for two years after ending his contract with Fenerbahce.
The coach had been criticized by a section of the media for his continuous inclusion of Appiah, who turns 29 next month in the Ghana team.
However, the Black Stars captain ended his long wait for a club by signing for Italy's Bologna last week.
“That was the news we were expecting after he recovered from his injury. I am really happy for him. It’s important for him to play for a club and compete on a regular basis.
“I never doubted Appiah’s ability and always knew a move would come. It was just a matter of time. He is a strong player and has character,” Rajevac told www.ghanafa.org.
While the deal suits Appiah and Bologna from a personal and club point of view, Rajevac is counting the benefits it would bring to Ghana.
“For us [Black Stars] it’s very important for his confidence. He has stayed strong in those difficult moments which came with lots of criticisms.
“Now, he has a great opportunity to come back in his old form. We stand to benefit from it as we have some important competitions coming up. Appiah is the leader and when he is playing at his best, there rest of the squad will react,” the Ghana coach said.
Appiah who returned from a knee injury to aid Ghana’s 2010 Nations Cup and World Cup qualification campaign would be available for selection on Sunday as the Black Stars play Mali in the final qualifying game in 2010 World Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, his first national game after signing for Bologna.
The Black Stars, with their places at the next African Nations Cup and World Cup sealed will play an international friendly away to Angola three days later.