Former Black Stars striker Kwesi Appiah has described earning his first call-up to Ghana’s senior national team as a dream come true. The former Crystal Palace forward, who made his debut under Avram Grant, said the experience of wearing the national jersey for the first time was an unforgettable moment in his career.
For any footballer, the opportunity to represent their country at the highest level is a defining achievement, and for Appiah, it was no different. Having worked his way up through the ranks in club football, the call to play for the Black Stars was a moment he had envisioned for years. The pride of playing for Ghana, a nation with a rich footballing history and passionate supporters, made the occasion even more significant.
Appiah was part of Ghana’s squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but had to wait for his chance to make an impact. After missing the first two matches of the tournament, he finally got the opportunity to step onto the pitch in the crucial group-stage clash against South Africa. His brief appearance was enough to impress Ghanaian fans, who quickly took note of his talent and composure.
His performance earned him a starting spot in the quarter-finals, where he marked the occasion with a goal. It was a special moment for the striker, who had dreamed of scoring for Ghana on such a big stage. He continued his fine form in the semi-finals, providing two crucial assists to help the Black Stars secure a place in the final. Reflecting on his first experience with the national team, Appiah spoke about the overwhelming emotions he felt when he received the call-up and subsequently played for Ghana.
“The call-up itself was great, but putting on that shirt for the first time and gracing the pitch with my teammates was euphoric and a dream come true,” he told Flashscore.
For Appiah, the AFCON tournament was a valuable learning experience. Though Ghana ultimately fell short in the final, losing to Ivory Coast in a dramatic penalty shootout, his performances throughout the tournament left a lasting impression. The experience became foundational for his career, helping him develop a deeper understanding of top-level football.
A significant part of his journey with the Black Stars was his partnership with Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer. Playing alongside the legendary striker, Appiah learned valuable lessons about movement, positioning, and the mentality required to succeed at the highest level.
“Gyan was always someone I admired from afar, and I followed his career as he was the star of our national team for many years. So to eventually be alongside him and partner him up front was a moment I will cherish forever. He’s a true legend and a great human being,” he added.
The experience of playing in the AFCON and sharing the field with accomplished players like Gyan gave Appiah a newfound confidence in his abilities. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that would serve him well in the years to come.
While his time with the national team was relatively brief, the memories he created during the tournament remain special. Representing Ghana on the continental stage and contributing to the team’s success was an honor that he still holds close to his heart. His journey to the national team was one of determination and perseverance, and his story continues to inspire young Ghanaian footballers aiming to represent their country.
Beyond the AFCON, Appiah’s football career has taken him to various clubs across England and beyond. His experiences in different leagues have shaped his perspective on the game, and he remains grateful for the opportunities he has had. Playing in the English Football League and other European competitions exposed him to different tactical systems, coaching styles, and high levels of competition, all of which helped him improve as a player.
Looking back, he acknowledges that wearing the Ghanaian jersey was one of the proudest moments of his career. The passion and support from fans, the camaraderie within the team, and the thrill of competing at the highest level made his time with the Black Stars truly unforgettable.
As Ghana continues to develop its national team and nurture new talents, Appiah hopes to see more young players seize their opportunities. He believes that with the right mindset and dedication, the next generation of Ghanaian footballers can achieve even greater success on the international stage.
For now, Appiah remains focused on his club career, but he will always cherish the memories of his time with the Black Stars. His journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, ambition, and the unwavering belief that dreams can come true.
In football, moments of triumph and heartbreak often define a player’s career. For Appiah, the AFCON 2015 tournament was a blend of both. The joy of scoring, assisting, and helping his team reach the final was contrasted with the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the trophy. However, rather than dwelling on the loss, he has chosen to focus on the positives—the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the pride of representing Ghana on one of Africa’s biggest footballing stages.
Appiah’s story is also one of resilience. Before earning his call-up to the Black Stars, he faced numerous challenges in his club career, including injuries, competition for places, and the pressure to perform at a high level consistently. Yet, through hard work and perseverance, he proved himself and earned a place in Ghana’s squad. His journey is a reminder to young footballers that setbacks are part of the game, but determination and belief can lead to success.
He remains an inspiration to aspiring players, especially those who may not have had the most conventional path to success. His rise to the Black Stars was not the result of immediate stardom but rather years of dedication and consistent performances at the club level. His story proves that with the right attitude and work ethic, dreams can indeed become reality.
As Ghana prepares for future tournaments, Appiah continues to follow the team’s progress and support the national team. He hopes to see Ghana reclaim its place among Africa’s footballing giants and eventually win the AFCON trophy once again. He also encourages young Ghanaian footballers to embrace their opportunities, work hard, and never take their national team call-ups for granted.
For Appiah, playing for Ghana was more than just a footballing achievement—it was a moment of national pride, a fulfillment of a childhood dream, and a memory that will stay with him forever.
