The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Asamoah Gyan

  • Gyan available for AFCON after president intervenes

    Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has bowed to a presidential request to make himself available for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, just 48 hours after announcing his international retirement.

    Gyan quit the national team on Monday, seemingly unhappy at having the captaincy taken away from him in spite of having not played for Ghana since September 2017 due to injury.

    But he released a fresh statement on Wednesday, saying he had had a change of heart after being asked to play at the June 21-July 19 finals in Egypt by Ghana president Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Fit-again Gyan, 33, added that he had accepted the presidential request “in good faith and will make myself available for selection by coach Kwesi Appiah. I remain committed to serving this great nation and the people of Ghana”.

    Read Also: Gyan wants end to AFCON heartache

    Government spokesperson Eugene Arhin in a statement confirmed the president’s intervention.

    “The President urged him, in the national interest, to rescind his decision to retire from the Black Stars, and make himself available for selection by coach Kwesi Appiah.”

    Gyan has netted 51 goals in 106 internationals, both Ghana national team records, including scoring at six consecutive Nations Cup finals, as well as three World Cups from 2006-2014. His six World Cup goals are the most by an African player.

    NAN

     

  • Gyan’s Baby Jet Airlines to fly soon

    Gyan’s Baby Jet Airlines to fly soon

     

    Baring last minute change of plans Baby Jet Airlines, the brainchild of Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan will begin operation very soon. Gyan who recently acquired license from the government to operate an airline in the country is hoping that the Airline will first begin as cargo and later begin the real business of carrying passengers.

    Information about the new airline was revealed the 2017 African Airshow a the Kotoka International Airport where over 126 exhibitors participated

    Ghana President Akufo-Addo had at the event revealed that the former Sunderland ace who now plays for Turkish side Kayserispor was on the verge of floating a commercial airline.

    The 31 year old striker who  will be missing the world Cup in Russia following Ghana’s third position finish in the Group E of the qualifiers is no doubt planning big for his retirement.

    The Black stars ganered six points in five matches, Uganda finished in the second position with eight points in the five matches with only Egypt who finished in the first position with 12 points in five matches qualifying from the Group for the 2018 world cup.

    Ghana filed a protest with FIFA after their goalless draw with Uganda saw them crash out of the world cup.  The federation had complained that South African referee Daniel Bennett and his assistants, Eldrick Adelaide and Steve Marie, both of the Seychelles denied them of a perfect 93rd minute goal that would have earned the Black stars three points and improve their chances of qualifying

    FIFA however rejected the protest to have a replay against Uganda following an alleged ‘poor officiating’ insisting that no traits of manipulation of the game were found after initial investigation.

    The Black Stars host already qualified Pharaohs of Egypt November 12 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi in a match where they will merely be playing for pride.

  • Strictly Personal: Asamoah Gyan flaunts customised armband

    Strictly Personal: Asamoah Gyan flaunts customised armband

     

    Asamoah Gyan scored his 50th international goal for Ghana as the Black Stars thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday afternoon.

    Gyan, who is Africa’s all-time scorer at World Cups with six goals, seemed to have allowed his ego to overshadow the win as he wore a captain’s armband with his own face on it.

    In the second half, Gyan was substituted for Abdul Majeed Waris at the Baba Yara Stadium. As he was walking off, Gyan failed to pass the customised captain’s armband over to Vice-captain Andre Ayew, meaning the West Ham striker had to receive a different one from a Ghana official instead.

    In the post-match press conference, Gyan told reporters Ayew looks up to him as an idol.

    The Al-Ahli striker said: “I was in the national team before he came. I’ve been his idol since day one. His father likes me so much.

    “As human beings, you don’t know what people think [of you], sometimes, you may see me and you may not like me. It’s normal; we’re talking about the reality.”

  • Gyan under fire in UAE over hair style

    Gyan under fire in UAE over hair style

     

     

    Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan has been found guilty of having ‘unethical hair’ under United Arab Emirates Football Association guidelines.

    The 31-year-old, who is currently on loan at Arabian Gulf League side Al-Ahbi from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG, has recently returned from the African Cup of Nations in Gabon where he was representing Ghana.

    Gyan, who sports a mowhawk and shaved sides, is one of 46 players to have breached the guidelines.

    According to the BBC, the UAE FA sends a player’s club a warning letter in the first instance after being found guilty.

    Punishments then escalate to a fine and then a possible ban if the player fails to change their hairstyle.

    The rules are derived from Islamic teachings, some of which ban ‘Qaza’ hairstyles, which include mohawks.

    A ‘Qaza’ hairstyle is one in which the hair at the side of the head is cut or shaved shorter than the hair on top.

    Referees have the discretion to judge on a match-by-match basis whether players’ haircuts are acceptable.

    Officials in the UAE are strict about compliance with the rules as they are concerned about the styles influencing kids watching in the stands.

    Confusion still reigns over what styles are exactly forbidden under the new legislation.

    Al-Ain star Omar Abdulrahman has been told he is exempt from the haircut law for his flowing locks.

    However, Al-Wahda’s Suhail Al-Mansoori, who sported a very similar style was forced to cut his hair under the laws of the game.

    Many foreign players moving to Gulf countries to play their football have fallen foul of the rule in recent years.

    Last year, goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah was forced into a pre-match haircut pitchside after officials picked up on the design on his head.

    Former Sunderland striker Gyan has made eight appearances in the UAE Gulf League, scoring twice.

  • Gyan wants end to AFCON heartache

    Gyan wants end to AFCON heartache

     

     

     

     

    Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan is determined to seize another chance for Africa Cup of Nations glory by defeating Cameroon in Thursday’s semi-final.

    The Black Stars have reached this stage in each of the last six tournaments but have not lifted the trophy since 1982 and were beaten by Ivory Coast in the final of 2015.

    Avram Grant’s side, who beat DR Congo 2-1 in the last round, have looked one of the most convincing in Gabon but they have a poor record against Cameroon in the competition, having failed to win any of their three previous encounters.

    But Gyan, who hopes to be available following a groin problem, is confident that they can find a way past a team who upset favourites Senegal in the quarter-finals on penalties.

    “The team is motivated and what we want is a win against Cameroon, who have been playing as a unit,” he said, as quoted by SuperSport.

    “We all know many people thought Senegal would beat them but they proved a hard nut to crack.

    “It doesn’t really matter how we play as long as we get that win, because we feel it’s time we make our fans happy by going all the way in the tournament. That’s our main focus.”

    Fabrice Ondoa saved a penalty from Liverpool’s Sadio Mane to see Cameroon into the last four at Senegal’s expense and continue their unlikely push for the trophy.

    Head coach Hugo Broos is already proud of his young side but says they proved with their quarter-final display that they will be no pushovers against a fancied Ghana side.

    “It looks a very difficult game,” he said. “When you look at the Ghanaians, who have been in the semi-finals for the last six tournaments, it means that they’re a team constantly on with their job.

  • Gyan fires Ghana into last eight

    Gyan fires Ghana into last eight

    A solitary goal through Asamoah Gyan handed Ghana a 1-0 win over Mali in their second 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group D match at Stade de Port-Gentil on Saturday evening.

    The second win for the Black Stars consolidates their top spot on the log with six points, thus booking a spot in the quarterfinals.

    In the opening 10 minutes, the Black Stars pushed to get into Mali’s final third and they were awarded a corner as Jordan Ayew delivered, only to see John Boye failing to connect with Andrew Ayew’s flick on.

    In the 17th minute, Christian Atsu displayed a brilliant piece of skill from the right flank as he beat two Malian defenders, but it ended with a disappointing finish by Andrew Ayew as he fired wide from close range.

    However, a minute later, the Eagles pushed forward and they were awarded a corner and defender Molla Wague’s header went inches over the cross bar.

    Exactly in the 21st minute, Gyan handed the Ghanaians the lead when he netted with a fine header, beating goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko, which resulted from a sweet delivery through Jordan Ayew on the right wing.

    Despite their dominance, Avram Grant’s men failed to bag a second goal and went to the interval leading 1-0.

    Just after seven minutes in the second half, Moussa Marega disappointingly failed to keep his shot on the ground as he ballooned his effort at the back post over the cross bar.

    The second half was a different affair altogether as Mali dominated the proceedings towards the last 20 minutes, but the Ghanaian defence stood firm.

  • BLACK MAGIC RITUAL: Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan denies killing rapper Castro

    BLACK MAGIC RITUAL: Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan denies killing rapper Castro

    According to the Metro, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has denied playing any part in the killing of rapper Castro, who is presumed dead after a jet-ski accident gone wrong in southern Ghana.

    The accident occurred back on July 6 in the town of Ada where Gyan had flipped the bill for a vacation for 16 of his friends. The details are minimal but in short, Castro and his girlfriend Janet Bandu went off on a jet ski ride and failed to return. The group thereafter carried out a search for the couple when they spotted an unmanned jet ski and informed the police.

    With authorities in Ghana still unable to locate the bodies more than two months later, rumors have now emerged that Castro’s corpse was used for a black magic ritual for financial gain or, as Gyan’s lawyer Kissi Agyabeng explains, a sacrifice to spiritually enhance his career.

    A statement released by Agyabeng reads: “When it became apparent that Castro and Janet had disappeared, an article appeared online which appeared to commiserate with Asamoah Gyan citing the recent loss of his mother and now the loss of his best friend.

    “One would have thought that this would have been a point of reference to console the Gyans – and indeed, a good number of well-meaning persons expressed this sentiment and sought to encourage us to stand firm.

    “To the thousands of individuals and institutions that came to our aid and to offer support, we express our gratitude.

    “Sadly, the expression of empathy during a person’s moment of grief and utter dismay does not sell in the media.

    “What sells in the media, and what indeed sold and is still selling in the media in Ghana are wild allegations and rumours directed especially at Asamoah Gyan – ranging from the absurd – of the imputation of criminality to him in the sense that he either murdered Castro or had him kidnapped – and ending with the ludicrous – that he sacrificed him spiritually to enhance his career.

    “We had no hand in that occurrence. We have no moral or legal culpability whatsoever.

    “None of us rode out into the open estuary with Castro and Janet Bandu.

    “Castro rode out there on his own volition and none of us have the slightest idea as to what happened to them.

    “We have only been guess working and conjecturing and making what appears to us to be intelligent deductions – in light of the facts available to us, especially the fact that when they rode out on the jet ski Janet Bandu was not wearing a life jacket.

    “We know Castro all too well. He was our brother. We loved him as one of our own. We did everything together with him.

    “You are all witnesses to the hit songs Castro has been featuring Asamoah Gyan on and the added popularity that gave him.

    “Indeed, the duo was just about to release another song. We will never do anything to harm him.

    “We are in unimaginable pain and shock and we will give anything to Castro and Janet back.”

  • 2013 Glo CAF Awards Meet the top 10

    The list of top 10 players competing for the 2013 African Footballer of the year Award was recently released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The list and the possible winner has been the subject of passionate discussion among football fans and youth across Africa.

    Expectations are high on who should be the next King of African Football; with clear-cut justifications on who deserves to wear the crown. Will it be Mikel Obi or the reigning African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure? Will it be Asamoah Gyan or Didier Drogba? Who out of the ten will be unveiled as the African Footballer of the Year at the 2014 Glo CAF Awards Gala Night?

    All roads lead to the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on 9th January, 2014. We hereby present the top 10 as released by CAF. What are their pedigrees?

    Reigning African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure is from Cote d’Ivoire. He was born on May 13, 1983. The Manchester City of England Player won the last two editions of the African Player of the Year Award and he is still at his peak. He scored two goals including a spectacular free-kick against Tunisia at the group stage. Though the Elephants failed to go past the quarter-final, he was the pillar of the Ivorian team in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, netting four goals in the process. At Manchester City, he is a cult figure and has been the driving force for the club. For the current 2013-14 season, the midfielder has found the back of the net five times in 11 games.

     

     

    Asamoah Gyan, known for

    his hard tackles and deft

    passes, plays for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Born in Ghana on November 22, 1985. Gyan currently captains the Black Stars and was the top marksman for the team in the World Cup qualifiers with six goals to his credit. He also scored once in the Black Stars campaign at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where they placed fourth. Gyan has had a stellar year, emerging top scorer for the 2012-13 UAE Pro-League, firing in 30 goals and powering Al Ain to the title. He has also scored eight times in six appearances in the 2013-14 season.

     

     

     

    Ahmed Musa, born on

    October 14, 1992 is from

    Nigeria. He currently plays for CSKA Moscow (Russia). Musa was a member of the Nigerian Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. He also featured at the FIFA Confederations Cup later in Brazil. With CSKA Moscow, Musa won every title in Russia – League, League Cup and the Super Cup during the 2012/2013 season, scoring five times in the process. He has also scored five times for his club in the ongoing 2013/2014 season.

     

     

    Born in Cote d’Ivoire on

    March 11, 1978, Didier

    Drogba plies his trade in Turkey where he plays for Galatasaray. He earlier played for Olympic Marseilles in France and Chelsea FC of London where he won the Champions League in 2012. At 35, Drogba is yet to lose his football skills, scoring three goals as the Elephants reached a third successive World Cup appearance. The striker has bounced back from a disappointing spell in China and has been banging in the goals in Turkey. He scored five in 13 appearances during Galatasaray’s triumph in the 2012-13 season. In the current season, Drogba has scored nine times in all competitions for Galatasaray, including the UEFA Champions League.

     

    Nigerian Emmanuel

    Emenike plays for Fenerbache

    in Turkey. He was born on 10th May, 1987. He recently played for Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine before exploring his fortune in Fenerbache. Emenike is currently Nigeria’s most reliable attacker. He scored 4 goals at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where the Super Eagles emerged champions. He sustained an injury that kept him out of the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil but has recovered and has helped Nigeria to book a place in next year’s World Cup, scoring thrice in the process. With Fenerbahce, he has scored three times in the 2013-14 “Turkish Super Lig.”

     

     

     

     

    Chelsea and Nigeria

    Midfielder, John Obi Mikel was

    born on April 22, 1987. Mikel is enjoying probably his best moment in football. A regular with the star-studded Chelsea, he played an influential role in the build-up to the 2012 UEFA Champions League crown. He also won the Europa Cup with Chelsea in 2013. In September 21 this year, he broke his goal duck in the English Premier League with his first goal in 185 matches in a 2-0 win over Fulham. Also, he netted a cracker against Uruguay at the FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil in July. His efforts in the season were crowned with a gold medal with the Super Eagles at the last Africa Cup of Nations. He was also instrumental to Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Indeed, football analysts say that it is only the current African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure that can stand between Mikel and the crown.

     

     

     

    Record breaking Nigerian

    goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama

    “can easily be dubbed the shot-stopper.” He was born on August 29, 1982 and currently plays for Lille FC in France. The achievement of Nigeria in football in the last decade cannot be complete without mentioning the name of Enyeama. The shot-stopper is arguably the finest on the continent after superb showings at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He was named the safest pair of hands as Nigeria won the continental crown in South Africa earlier in the year. He also made a name for himself with Lille in the French “Ligue 1” where they nick-named him “Jesus in goal” as he did not concede any goal from September 15 to December 7; maintaining an eye-popping 11 clean sheets from 16 games and 1035 minutes in total.

     

    Burkina Faso-born Jonathan

    Pitroipa is a regular member

    of Stade Rennes FC of France. He was the star of the Burkina Faso team that reached the finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. His red card against Ghana at the semis drew so much controversy before CAF eventually overturned it, making him eligible for the final. He was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He also scored three times in Burkina Faso’s run to the World Cup Playoffs and has made 10 appearances in the current season for Stade Rennes but yet to score.

     

     

    One outstanding accomplish

    ment of ageless Mohamed

    Aboutreika is that he is gunning for both the global African Player of the Year and the African-Based African Player of the Year Awards. He plays in Africa and has led his Club to win many continental laurels. He was born in Egypt in November 7, 1978 and plays for Egyptian top Club, Al Ahly. Aboutreika is at the twilight of his career, yet, he has proved again that he is nowhere near the finish line. He scored six goals for Egypt in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including one on his centenary appearance for the Pharaohs against Guinea. With Ahly, he was the pivot as the Egyptian giants retained the CAF Champions League title, scoring in both legs in the final. He scored five times in the campaign as Ahly cruised to an unprecedented eighth title despite the absence of a football competition in Egypt in two years.

     

     

    Gabonese Pierre-Emerick

    Aubameyang is currently

    playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He was born on June 18, 1989. He was on target three times for Gabon (a hat-trick against Niger) during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Les Panthers failed to reach the Playoffs. He has however been in superb form at club level. He emerged second top scorer in Ligue 1 with 19 goals during 2012-13 season, and also guided Saint Etienne to the Coupe de La Ligue (French League Cup). In July, he joined German side Borussia Dortmund and has scored eight times in all appearances. He also won the German Super Cup with Dortmund after a 4-2 win over Bayern Munich.