Under-23 coach Kwesi Appiah has denied reports that Ghana's defeat to Nigeria in the qualifying for the All-Africa Games was as a result of fatigue.

The Black Meteors lost 3-1 in the first leg of the final round qualifier last Saturday in Benin City.

Reports following the loss and attributed to the Ghana coach, claims that, tiredness was the cause of the setback. But Appiah says such reports are untrue.

"I never said that my boys were tired during the game and it [fatigue] did not cost us a positive result," he said.

"We played very well in the first half but lost our way in the second half. The boys were very committed throughout and never showed any signs of loss of stamina.

"Our opponents, despite their lead were reeling under pressure in the last fifteen minutes. Tiredness could not have accounted for such a tempo by the Black Meteors."

Appiah, however, remains confident that Ghana can overturn the deficit in the return leg.

“We have a tough return leg to play. But the commitment and determination shown by the players bodes well for the return game. I am very sure of us going through.” Appiah said.