Sports
‘Gyan’s biggest mistake was leaving EPL’
Former Ghana and Chelsea coach Avram Grant reckons Asamoah Gyan’s famous 2011 transfer from English Premier League side Sunderland to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates greatly hampered the striker’s progress.
After hitting 10 league goals in his first season with The Black Cats, Gyan promptly pursued a move away, originally joining the Arabian club on loan which was later made permanent.
The mouthwatering transfer was reportedly worth up to £6 million, with the striker receiving up to four times his previous salary.
“Asamoah Gyan had one of the biggest qualities I have ever seen in my life because he has everything as a striker,” Grant who coached Gyan between 2014 and 2017 told 443gh.
“He has the passion to score; he can score with his feet [and] his head. He is very good mentally. I’m sure you remember the 2015 AFCON game against Algeria – the goal he scored in the last minute.
“I think his biggest mistake was not staying in the Premier League. He could have stayed because I think if he (did), he would have been considered as one of the best strikers.
“I spoke to Didier Drogba not long ago and he told me Asamoah Gyan is one of his favourites and he could have achieved more.
“I think it was a mistake moving from the Premier League but we all make mistakes when we are young.
“He should have stayed in the Premier League. There are not many strikers with his qualities.”
Gyan began his career with local side Liberty Professional before moving to Italian fold Udinese in 2003. He was farmed out to lower division side Modena at some point of his time with Udinese.
Gyan joined Sunderland from French fold Stade Rennais in 2010 following fine performances for Ghana at the World Cup. His good showing at the global gathering also helped earn him the 2010 BBC African Footballer of the Year award. – Goal.com
Sports
Benjamin Asare’s call-up inspires local players – Osei Asibey
Hearts of Oak defender, Osei Asibey, has acknowledged that the call-up of Benjamin Asare, the current number one goalkeeper of the Ghana Black Stars, has given confidence to many local players to work hard.
Asibey explained that playing for the senior national team is time-based, and at the right time, every local player will get their chance.
“The Black Stars belong to Ghanaians, and everybody will get the chance to play for the Black Stars when the time is right. Benjamin Asare is a local player, and he has gotten the chance. I’m sure when it is our time, the country would call us to serve,” he asserted
Osei Asibey added that Asare’s achievement shows that with hard work, local players can also receive Black Stars call-ups.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
