President of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Kwabena Yeboah has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to include Asamoah Gyan in Ghana’s team for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
The seasoned football commentator acknowledges Gyan, who plays his in Ghana for Legon Cities, is not in great form but believes his presence can inspire the team to win the trophy.
“I would want to urge to FA to make Asamoah Gyan a part of Ghana’s team for the Cup of Nations. If not to play he has a wealth of experience and has a lot of inspiration to give to the players. His presence alone can serve as great inspiration for the players so I want the FA to make him a part of team Ghana,” he said on Joy FM.
Gyan, last week, squashed reports that he has retired from Ghana duty after three years without an invitation. Since 2019 when he came on as a substitute for the Black Stars in the round of 16 defeat against Tunisia at Afcon, Gyan has not played for the Black Stars.
“His expression of desire to play again for Ghana shows his level of passion and commitment to the national cause. I guess it’s the reason he gets maligned castigated and lampooned for the least he does.”
“Considering that he is Ghana’s all-time top scorer and highest scoring African at the FIFA World Cup tells us that it is no easy achievement.”
“As to whether he is ready to don the national jersey again is another conversation altogether,” the SWAG. President added.
The former Sunderland has represented Ghana at seven Afcons but would have missed the 2019 edition if not for the intervention of President Akufo-Addo. Gyan announced his retirement weeks to the tournament after then head coach Kwesi Appiah decided to strip him of the captaincy and hand it to Andre Ayew.
Gyan rescinded his retirement decision after speaking with the President, however, it was evident he was not in Appiah’s plans as he played a total of 50 minutes in Egypt.
Yeboah said: “We do know that at the last Nation’s Cup in Egypt, the then coach of the side Kwesi Appiah brought him on as a substitute in one or two games and we saw what impact he made”
“And whether he makes it to Cameroon or not, he should know that the people reserve a place of pride for what he has done for the nation. But as it is always said a prophet is not honoured in his own home.”
“Even if there are one or two negative comments along the way, he should know that Ghanaians love and admire him for what he has done. Gyan has paid his dues to this country and we must respect him for that. We doff our hats to him and others for serving this nation diligently and consistently. What he has done for this country and will forever respect him for what he has done.”
No player has scored more goals than Gyan for the national team. He has scored 51 goals in a record 109 appearances since his debut in 2003.
In the recently ended Ghana Premier League season, Gyan made played just six matches and scored no goal due to injuries.
Last week he was honoured by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as he joined other African legends to assist in conducting the Afcon draw which saw Ghana drawn against Morocco, Gabon and debutants Comoros.
Source: 3news.com