Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng believes injuries played a crucial role in denying Ghana major silverware during Stephen Appiah’s reign as national team captain.
Boateng described Appiah as the heartbeat of the Black Stars whenever he was fully fit, insisting the former Juventus midfielder was central to the team’s structure, leadership and mentality during Ghana’s most competitive years.
According to Boateng, Appiah’s influence went beyond tactics, shaping the mindset of the squad and driving standards within the team.
However, he identified a serious knee injury suffered by Appiah as a major turning point that ultimately affected Ghana’s chances of winning trophies.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Boateng said the Black Stars paid a heavy price despite repeatedly reaching the latter stages of major tournaments.
“As we went to about two or three finals and semifinals, I feel that if not for Stephen Appiah’s injuries, he could have led us to win a trophy,” Boateng said.
“But the injury came very early, at his peak. And when knee injuries start, it usually means your career is on the decline,” he added.
