For Kwesi Appiah, donning the Black Stars jersey for the first time was more than just a footballing milestone—it was the realization of a lifelong dream.

The former Crystal Palace striker earned his maiden call-up to the Ghana national team under coach Avram Grant, ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Though he remained on the sidelines for the opening two matches, his moment arrived against South Africa, where he made a brief but impactful appearance. His confidence and determination earned him a starting spot in the quarter-finals, where he found the net, and in the semi-final, he turned provider with two crucial assists.

Reflecting on that journey, Appiah described the experience as euphoric. “The call-up itself was great, but putting on that shirt for the first time and gracing the pitch with my teammates was a dream come true,” he told Sportsblog247.com.

While Ghana ultimately fell short in the final, the tournament was a defining chapter in Appiah’s career. Playing alongside Asamoah Gyan, a player he had long admired, was an unforgettable experience.

“Gyan was always someone I looked up to. He was the star of our national team for many years. To eventually play alongside him and partner him up front was a moment I will cherish forever. He’s a true legend and a great human being,” Appiah recalled.

Though years have passed, the memories of AFCON 2015 remain vivid for Kwesi Appiah—a tournament where his dream turned into reality.