AFCON 2025Q: Karim Zito backs Kwasi Appiah to stay as ExCo member despite Sudan drawing Black Stars

Dreams FC head coach Abdul Karim Zito has conveyed his absolute support to Sudan coach Kwasi Appiah amid calls for him to step down from his position as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association due to potential conflict of interest concerns.

Ghana have been drawn with Sudan in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with many worried about where the loyalty of Appiah would be when the two teams come up against each other.

However, in an interview with Graphic Sports, Zito cited Appiah’s professionalism, arguing that the former Black Stars head coach should be allowed to carry out his roles without undue interference.

The former Black Satellites coach stated that Appiah’s role as Sudan coach did not necessarily conflict with his position on the ExCo, as the FA does not financially compensate him.

He also mentioned the affiliation of other members of the ExCo to clubs.

“People are talking about Kwasi Appiah but I don’t see why they should be talking about him. Those in the ExCo are they not having clubs? Kwasi is a professional coach and the ExCo doesn’t pay him,” he said.

He also pointed out that the ExCo were aware of his coaching commitments before he contested for and won a seat at the Council.

“The ExCo knew Kwasi was still in coaching and yet they allowed him to stand election which he won before he had this opportunity.”

Zito expressed his acknowledgement that, no matter the match’s result, it should all come down to the competitive nature of the sport, and that Appiah should not be coerced to compromise either of his respective roles.

“For me, I am behind Kwasi 100 per cent; he should keep quiet and do his job, if he is able to beat us fine, and if we also beat him fine.”