Pulse Staff

On Friday, July 19, Algeria and Senegal will take to the Cairo International stadium to battle over who becomes continental champion.

In truth, this AFCON has been a complete package: there has been excitement, mixed bags and controversy in equal measure.

As the tournament draws to a close, we take a look at five things we learned the last one month in Egypt:

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ghanaians-slam-normalisation-committee-over-proposed-new-gfa-logo/bmmdg67" target="_blank">Ghanaians slam Normalisation Committee over proposed new GFA logo</a>

African coaches are capable

One refreshing thing about this year’s Africa Cup of Nations is that two indigenous coaches will face off in the final.

Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi and Senegal’s Aliou Cissé have distinguished themselves in the tournament with some tactical masterclasses.

For so long, the perception has been that African coaches are not up there, or are simply not good enough.

However, the performance of Djamel Belmadi and Aliou Cissé proves that the continent still has capable coaches.

24-team expansion paid off

Prior to this year’s tournament, one of the most dominant topics centred around discussions on the expansion.

People had gotten used to the 16-team tournament and harboured doubts that increasing it to 24 would dilute the competition.

However, once the AFCON kicked off, it was clear that those theories were flawed. In fact, this tournament will go down as one of the most competitive in recent years.

The fairy-tale rides of minnows like Madagascar and Benin completely justified the expansion of the AFCON to a 24-team tournament.

Egypt’s organisation was top-notch

Big, big credit to Egypt. The North African country organised one of the most spectacular tournaments in recent memory.

Despite being announced as hosts in January – replacing the unprepared Cameroon – Egypt still managed to put up a good show.

From the opening ceremony, the treatment of flying supporters, security and everything else, this was simply top-notch organisation.

The only downside was with stadium attendances, but even that improved once the tournament reached the latter stages.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/afcon-2019-senegal-take-on-algeria-in-a-showdown/4z7s52e" target="_blank">AFCON 2019: Senegal take on Algeria in a showdown</a>

Africa not yet ready for VAR

Rating the 2019 AFCON, it would be fair to give an 80% or 85%, as refereeing was generally better than in previous tournaments.

However, there are still problems when it comes to the implementation of VAR in Africa’s flagship international tournament.

Most referees are still lacking in terms of training and to have to be directed on which decision to take, by a third party, doesn’t look right.

If there’s one thing this AFCON taught us, it is that referees on the continent are not yet ready and need more learning to be able to handle VAR.

Algeria, Senegal are worthy finalists

Football can sometimes be a cruel sport, in the sense that it is not all the time that the deserving team wins.

However, we can all agree that Algeria and Senegal have earned their places in the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

These two have been the best throughout the tournament, dominating and conquering their opponents with some form of swagger.

Algeria has not won the AFCON since 1990, while Senegal has never won it, with Teranga Lions’ closest being a final berth in 2002.

Whatever happens on Friday, the AFCON will produce a worthy champion.

After almost a month of football fiesta in Egypt, all is now set for the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

5 things we learned from AFCON 2019

The incident happened at the East Legon tunnel in Accra.

According to report by Ghanacrusader.com the coach who was his ash-coloured 2015 Toyota SUV was verbally abused by a young man.

Eyewitness who spoke to Ghanacrusader.com said it was a very embarrassing scene at the newly opened under-bridge road that connects Spintex to East Legon.

“Are you a coach? You are very stupid. The whole Ghana, you are the most useless. We don’t want you as coach,” the young man vented.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/no-ghanaian-player-dead-or-alive-can-match-asamoah-gyan-football-administrator/rq3qfqf" target="_blank">No Ghanaian player dead or alive can match Asamoah Gyan - Football administrator</a>

Other drivers at the scene tried restraining the young man to no avail and Kwesi Appiah was perhaps lucky that the traffic eventually eased for him to drive away.

He pretended to be receiving a telephone call as the verbal assault and abuse flowed from the young Ghanaian.

Kwesi Appiah’s tactical approach to games has become a major talking point among Ghanaians since the exit of the Black Stars from the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt at the round of 16.

After reaching home, the security of Kwesi Appiah has become a matter of concern as a few days ago, it was alleged that another angry Ghanaian had attempted entering his home to attack him.

Many enthusiastic young men have reported of Kwesi Appiah and the Black Stars spoiling their bet slips after recording bad results in the AFCON.

Though it has been reported that Kwesi Appiah has a contract which will expire in December this year, there is real anger among Ghanaians to see him continue as coach of the national team.

Kwesi Appiah wants VAR introduced in the AFCON

Black Stars coach, Kwesi Appiah was nearly beaten by an angry man in Accra on Wednesday, July 17.

Black Stars coach escapes assault in traffic in Accra

The former Netherlands international failed to lead the Indomitable Lions to defend the trophy they won two years ago.

Cameroon finished second in Group H, behind Ghana, but were eliminated after suffering a 3-2 loss to Nigeria in the round of 16.

The country’s early exit did not sit well with the Cameroon FA, who have decided to terminate Seedorf’s contract.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/kwadwo-asamoah-others-disrespected-lenient-kwesi-appiah-gyan/qfdbemd" target="_blank">Kwadwo Asamoah, others disrespected lenient Kwesi Appiah - Gyan </a>

Speaking on state television CRTV, Cameroon Sports Minister Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi confirmed the coach’s sacking.

According to him, the former AC Milan manager “is not fit” to handle the Cameroon national team.

“We thank Seedorf and his assistant Kluivert but we do not consider them as technically genius coaches who can take us to the promise land in the near future so we have terminated his contract,” Mr. Kombi stated.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/more/lampard-wont-look-backwards-as-he-takes-over-chelsea/vwbvd2q" target="_blank">Lampard 'won't look backwards' as he takes over Chelsea</a>

Seedorf succeeded Hugo Broos as coach of the Indomitable Lions, after the latter led the side to AFCON glory in 2017.

Clarence Seedorf has been sacked as coach of the Cameroon national team following an underwhelming campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Clarence Seedorf fired by Cameroon after AFCON failure

Every generation has come with its own special players, but only a few can be categorised as great.

Below, we take a look at four of Ghana’s greatest football player ever:

Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan is undoubtedly one of the greatest players the country has ever produced.

Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in over 100 appearances, having made his international bow in 2003.

The 33-year-old is also Africa’s top scorer in the FIFA World Cup with five goals scored across three tournaments.

Gyan is a one-time BBC African Footballer of the Year and his achievements make him a Ghanaian great.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/more/rohr-insists-future-is-bright-for-youthful-nigeria/2v409jg" target="_blank">Rohr insists future is bright for youthful Nigeria</a>

Known as a goal machine in his prime, Tony Yeboah made goal scoring look so easy to the ordinary football fan.

The striker made his name in Germany and in England, and his contributions are still widely remembered.

Yeboah twice made it into the top three for the African Footballer of the Year award, although he never managed to win.

And, in 1993, he was voted ninth in the FIFA World Player of the Year award after enjoying a stellar season.

He was also twice voted Ghana Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997.

Now in his old age, Osei Kofi used to be the star of the Ghana national team in the 1960s and 1970s.

The playmaker was part of the all-conquering Black Stars side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1965.

In that tournament, Osei Kofi was voted the best player, having also finished as the top scorer.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/kwadwo-asamoah-others-disrespected-lenient-kwesi-appiah-gyan/qfdbemd" target="_blank">Asamoah Gyan and three of Ghana’s greatest players of all time</a>

Perhaps the most popular figure in the history of Ghana football, Abedi Ayew Pele’s achievements are well documented.

Abedi was the first Ghanaian to win the UEFA Champions League after playing a key role in Olympique Marseille’s triumph.

He also won the African Footballer of the Year award on three occasions, from 1991 to 1993 and once placed ninth in the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Abedi was also part of the Ghana side the won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982 – the last time the country tasted title glory.

Ghana has a lot of history when it comes to football and, as such, the country has produced some wonderful talents over the years.

Asamoah Gyan and three of Ghana’s greatest players of all time

Speaking on Accra based Happy FM following Ghana’s exit from the tournament, the former Kotoko player cited Inter Milan’s Kwadwo Asamoah as one of those who did not give a hoot to directions by the head coach.

“Kwesi Appiah was too lenient with the boys. Some of the attitudes of the players show that they don’t respect him. He couldn’t control some of them.”

“The players didn’t help Kwesi Appiah, they were tactically indiscipline, some of them did whatever they want to on the field, Kwadwo Asamoah is one of such players” he said on Happy FM.

“It seems like we can’t control these boys when they come to play for the nation, they don’t exhibit the same attitude at their club level,” he added.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/review-nigeria-senegal-make-it-to-afcon-2019-semi-finals/dnzeys1" target="_blank">Review: Nigeria, Senegal make it to AFCON 2019 semi-finals</a>

Meanwhile, Ghana have left their base in Ismailia after their elimination from the 2019 AFCON.

The Black Stars were kicked out of the tournament on Monday, July 8 after losing 5-4 on penalties to Tunisia in the Round of 16 after playing out a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

A former Asante Kotoko and Black Stars player, Ntow Gyan has revealed that some Black Stars players disrespected coach Kwesi Appiah while the team participated in the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Kwadwo Asamoah, others disrespected lenient Kwesi Appiah - Gyan

The duo won their quarter final matches against South Africa and Benin respectively.

Nigeria fought hard to win against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, July 10.

Udinese central defender William Troost-Ekong had the easiest task of planting the ball at the back of the net for Nigeria ‘s winner after goalkeeper Williams had failed to grab an in swinging corner kick.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/more/10-things-to-know-about-giantkillers-madagascar/pvh5dey" target="_blank">10 things to know about giantkillers Madagascar</a>

Both the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana had earlier on traded goals with Samuel Chukwueze opening the scoring in the 27th minute before midfield atchine Zungu equalised in the 71st minute.

For Senegal, a goal by Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye ended Benin's tournament.

Gueye started and finished a move which saw Liverpool's Sadio Mane tee up his team-mate to score in Cairo.

Aliou Cisse's team will meet minnows Madagascar or Tunisia in the semi-finals on Sunday in Cairo.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/isaac-asiamah-to-be-hauled-before-parliament-over-black-stars-failure-at-afcon/dnxn1nr" target="_blank">Isaac Asiamah to be hauled before Parliament over Black Stars failure at AFCON</a>

The other two semi-finalist will be determined on Thursday, July 11 when Algeria face Ivory Coast in the first quarter finals game on the day while Tunisia who are yet to win a game in the tournament within regulation time also entertain surprised package Madagascar.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Lions of Teranga (Senegal) have both reached the last four of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Review: Nigeria, Senegal make it to AFCON 2019 semi-finals

The Black Stars became subject of discussion on Tuesday, July 9 in Parliament following the team’s defeat to Tunisia at the round of 16.

The parliamentarians expressed concerns over the Black Stars’ disappointing performance which saw them exit the tournament.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/afcon-2019-nigeria-clash-with-south-africa-in-quarter-finals/zle01nr" target="_blank">AFCON 2019: Nigeria clash with South Africa in quarter-finals</a>

In a discussion monitored by Pulse Sports on the floor of the House, MPs opined that it was important for the Sport Minister to come and explain why Ghana performed poorly at the AFCON.

Ranking member on the Sports Committee, Kwabena Woyome, filed an urgent question for the Minister to appear before the House. He noted that there are lots of questions requiring answers.

“We’d want the Minister to tell the country something through Parliament,” Mr. Woyome said.

___7373283___2017___9___25___20___Isaac-asiamah

Ghana ’s minister in charge of Sports, Isaac Asiamah is expected to appear before Parliament to answer questions on what went wrong at the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

Isaac Asiamah to be hauled before Parliament over Black Stars failure at AFCON

According to ace sports enthusiast and TV presenter, Nana Aba Anamaoh, the Black Stars players crying after the defeat to Tunisian on Monday, July 8 is not enough to appease Ghanaians.

“Are the players not offering any form of apology for the energy invested in them”? she asked. And called on them to “donate half of their bonuses to charity to show that they are sorry.”

“They should do more than crying,” she noted in an interview of Joy FM, Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ghana-cant-win-a-trophy-without-me-kevin-prince-boateng-shades/wqtqldc" target="_blank">Ghana can’t win a trophy without me: Kevin-Prince Boateng shades </a>Assessing what went wrong against Tunisia in the round of 16, Nana Aba opined that most of these players “did not look interested.”

Rating the individual performances of the players, she said, “I was expecting more from Asamoah Gyan. But I don’t blame him. Someone was supposed to supply him the balls. “Apart from Nuhu Adams and Mubarak Wakaso, all the other players were very average.”

She also noted that, it was time for coach Kwesi Appiah to exit the senior national team. She said he has done well and was time for him to move on.

“Drop that coach. No drop him,” she said

“We had coaching deficiencies,” she lamented, “why do you take off Dede Ayew and keep Owusu.” She questioned the tactical decision of Kwasi Appiah which saw the black stars losing after a penalty shootout to the Tunisian National Team.

The Black Stars of Ghana lost 4-5 on penalties to Tunisia in the second round of the 2019 AFCON after 1-1 draw 120 minutes.

Black Stars players have been urged to donate part of their bonuses from the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt to charity, if they want Ghanaians to forgive them for failing to qualify to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

You can only appease Ghanaians by donating your bonus to charity - Nana Aba tells Stars

This is the first time Tunisia has eliminated the Black Stars in the African Cup of Nations to qualify to the next stage of the competition, quarterfinal.

The Carthage Eagles scored first in the second stance of the game before their defender scored an own goal as equalizer in the 92nd minute to send the game to extra time.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/player-ratings-how-the-black-stars-fared-against-tunisia/sbhhdrb" target="_blank">Player Ratings: How the Black Stars fared against Tunisia</a>

At the end of the 120 minutes, the match ended Ghana 1-1 Tunisia.

The Black Stars lost 5-4 on penalities after extra time.

The defeat means Ghana has missed the chance to end the 37-year AFCON drought. This is the first time Ghana has missed the semi-final berth at the AFCON after 6 successive appearance.

Tunisia has thus booked a quarterfinal clash with tournament debutants, Madagascar, who defeated D.R Congo 4-2 on penalties.

The Black Stars of Ghana failed to beat Tunisia in the ground of 16 at the ongoing AFCON in Egypt on Monday, July 8, 2019.

Ghana miss another chance to end 37-year AFCON drought

Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, has been with the team for some time now, as the country hopes to end its trophy drought.

Appiah said the Minister is playing the father role in camp, which should serve as a huge boost for the players.

“I was actually surprised when I heard the Minister was still here. It shows signs and support for the team. He has been here since our last game,” the Black Stars coach said.

“Once the players see him, they see him as a father and it will be a booster for the players”, Appiah said concerning the motivation for his players ahead of the game.

“The players also know what is at stake and we will give our best performance,” he concluded.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/kwesi-appiah-names-afriyie-acquah-in-starting-line-up-for-tunisia-clash/10m4tv6" target="_blank">Kwesi Appiah names Afriyie Acquah in starting line-up for Tunisia clash</a>

The Black Stars are aiming to end a 37-year trophy-less run, which stretches back to 1982.

Although the team has come close in recent years, Ghana has lost its last three finals in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

Ghana will face Tunisia in the round of 16 on Monday evening at the Ismailia stadium.

Appiah believes past records will not matter when the Black Stars face Tunisia in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to him, past wins over Tunisia in previous tournaments would not be a guarantee for another victory.

The 58-year-old, however, expressed confidence that his charges will be able to defeat their North African counterparts.

“It is true we have had good results over our opponents in our past meetings, but modern football has gone past previous glories,” Appiah said in his pre-match conference.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/asamoah-gyan-should-shut-up-how-many-times-has-he-called-the-family-castros-father/tvfqxgf" target="_blank">Asamoah Gyan should shut up; how many times has he called the family - Castro’s father fumes</a>

“I have always said and maintained that there are no minnows in this modern game of football, each country that has qualified to this stage deserve to be here and we have to treat each opponent with the maximum respect.

“Though we are poised to have good results against them again, the scenarios have always been different but I have so much trust and believe in my team heading into this game and I am sure they would give Ghanaians something to smile about,” he added.

‘It was a good game; a draw was reasonable’ – Kwesi Appiah

Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah says the presence of the Sports Minister in Egypt is enough motivation for his players in camp.

My players are motivated by the presence of Sports Minister in camp - Kwesi Appiah

According to him, past wins over Tunisia in previous tournaments would not be a guarantee for another victory.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/asamoah-gyan-should-shut-up-how-many-times-has-he-called-the-family-castros-father/tvfqxgf" target="_blank">Asamoah Gyan should shut up; how many times has he called the family - Castro’s father fumes </a>

“I have always said and maintained that there are no minnows in this modern game of football, each country that has qualified to this stage deserve to be here and we have to treat each opponent with the maximum respect.

“Though we are poised to have good results against them again, the scenarios have always been different but I have so much trust and believe in my team heading into this game and I am sure they would give Ghanaians something to smile about.”

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GAME DAY 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽 Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16: ⚽️ Ghana 🇬🇭 🆚 🇹🇳 Tunisia 🏟 Ismailia Stadium 📍 Ismailia ⏰ 7:00 pm 🇬🇭 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TotalAFCON2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TotalAFCON2019</a>  #️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCON2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCON2019</a>     📱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackStars</a>    <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoGhana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoGhana</a> <a href="https://t.co/lpCoITcIih">pic.twitter.com/lpCoITcIih</a>&mdash; 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ghanafaofficial/status/1148158434061275136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

Although the team has come close in recent years, Ghana has lost its last three finals in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

“Personally I know Tunisia is not a small team to just walk over, we all need to work hard and make sure we give spectators a very good game to watch because both teams play good football,” Appiah said.

“It is always important to encourage your players to give their best performance every game and give them that self-belief, which serves as a morale booster and encouragement and I believe that my players are good and I have total confidence in them that tomorrow they will deliver for us to make it to the next round.”

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ghana-set-eyes-on-quarter-finals-as-they-face-tunisia/2xcdyds" target="_blank">Ghana set eyes on quarter-finals as they face Tunisia</a>

The Black Stars will face Tunisia on Monday evening at the Ismailia stadium.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah believes past records will not matter when the Black Stars face Tunisia in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

‘Past records wouldn’t matter; Ghana has to work hard against Tunisia’ - Kwesi Appiah

According to the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, the Black Stars must be fed with only young players.

"I think the Black Stars needs to be rebuilt after this year's tournament," he told Asempa FM.

"Players who have played the Africa Cup of Nations four times must all stay away from the team to allow new players to take over the team.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/asante-kotoko-gets-new-ghcedi524000-training-pitch-from-mtn/t8sd0wm" target="_blank">Asante Kotoko gets new GH₵524,000 training pitch from MTN</a>

"We have the likes of Yaw Yeboah, Samuel Owusu, Kwabena Owusu among other players that are ready to play for the country and when is done, trust me, we will do something magical on the continent."

So if the handlers and managers of the Black Stars are minded by the suggestion of the MP, then players like Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, John Boye and Jonathan Mensah must be sacked from the national team.

The rest are Kwadwo Asamoah and Christian Atsu.

Nii Lante further noted that, the likes of Samuel Owusu and Kwabena Owusu have been impressive in the ongoing tournament in Egypt, thus more young players should be given the opportunity to play the Black Stars.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ghana-have-relatively-easy-route-to-afcon-final/9qd60r9" target="_blank">Ghana have relatively easy route to AFCON final</a>

The Black Stars of Ghana is one of 16 teams who have qualified for the next round of the AFCON. Ghana will play Tunisia on Monday, July 8.

Ghana’s former sports minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye says players in the senior national team who have played in more than four African Cup of Nations must all be sacked to make way for other talents.

Black Stars players who must be axed after the AFCON to make way for others

Jordan, who is Ghana’s top scorer at the tournament was adjudged as one of the best eleven players. Wakaso was a substitute in CAF’s team of the first round.

Other players on the list are Mohammed Salah, Mohammed El-Shenawy, Ahmed Hegazy and Ahmed Elmohamady of Egypt, Yaya Banana of Cameroon, Ashraf Hakimi of Morocco, Anicet Abel Andrianantenaina of Madagascar, Ismail Bennacer and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria, and Sadio Mane of Senegal.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The group stages witnessed some stellar performances🔥🔥 Take a look at the best XI we couldn&#39;t ignore😍🤷‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TotalAFCON2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TotalAFCON2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/F0zKi5HLYK">pic.twitter.com/F0zKi5HLYK</a>&mdash; CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1146385126676410369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

The other substitute players were Youcef Belaili and Youcef Atal of Algeria, Andre Onana and Andre Anguissa of Cameroon, Mehdi Benatia of Morocco, Cedric Bakammbu of DR Congo and Carolus Andrea of Madagascar.

The round of 16 matches begin on Friday, July 5, 2019. The Black Stars of Ghana will play Tunisia on Monday, July 8, 7pm Ghana time.

Two Black Stars player, Jordan Ayew and Mubarak Wakaso have been named in CAF’s best players after the first round of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Jordan Ayew, Wakaso named in CAF’s Best players for the first round

The Cranes who finished second in their group are supposed to be preparing ahead of their encounter with Senegal on Friday, July 5.

A statement from the country's Football Association (FUFA) said the players are trying to "renegotiate" the terms of a deal signed between the two parties.

READ ALSO: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/more/man-city-sign-spain-international-rodri-for-club-record-fee/lbef8tb" target="_blank">Man City sign Spain international Rodri for club record fee</a>

They say the arrangement was agreed pre-tournament and detailed the payments that had already been made to the team.

"As of 2nd July 2019, each player has received up to $14,600 ... with more daily allowances and winning bonuses awaiting to be earned," a statement read.

"We hope the players will rescind their decision and report for training on Wednesday," a FUFA spokesman told the BBC.

This is the latest such dispute to break out at the AFCON tournament in Egypt, following issues with Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon.

The previous instances were all resolved without any disruption to the ongoing tournament.

Players of the Ugandan national team boycotted training at the Africa Cup of Nations due to unpaid allowances.

AFCON 2019: Players boycott training over bonuses

The players were thrown into a jubilant mood after the Stars reached the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win in Suez against Guinea-Bissau.

Jordan Ayew raced on to a through ball seconds after half-time to put them ahead, and Thomas Partey slotted home Abdul Baba's cross to seal the victory.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackStars</a> celebrated qualification to the round of 16 in style! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TotalAFCON2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TotalAFCON2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/d6oH6hKLD2">pic.twitter.com/d6oH6hKLD2</a>&mdash; CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1146135823462608897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

READ ALSO:<a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/im-unfazed-by-criticisms-from-ghanaians-kwesi-appiah/9chhz66" target="_blank"> I’m unfazed by criticisms from Ghanaians - Kwesi Appiah</a>

That second goal ensured Ghana finished top of Group F, with Cameroon drawing 0-0 with Benin in Ismailia.

Guinea-Bissau, who could have gone through with a victory, hit the woodwork three times and led to the Black Stars celebrating their victory and top spot in the group.

The Black Stars of Ghana could not hide their joy after beating Guinea-Bissau in the last Group F match on Tuesday, July 2.

Video: Watch how the Black Stars danced and celebrated after their victory against Guinea-Bissau

According to the 59-year-old gaffer, if you are a player or coach, you must be prepared for constant criticisms, both constructive and ignorant ones.

"If you are a player and you are afraid of criticisms you better stop playing or coaching," he said after the Ghana’s 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau.

Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah says he is not perturbed by the incessant criticisms from Ghanaians following the performance of his team at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt.