Sports
Gyan’s Himalayan hurdle to Qatar
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gyan.jpg&description=Gyan’s Himalayan hurdle to Qatar', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gyan.jpg&description=Gyan’s Himalayan hurdle to Qatar', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Gyan – Eyeing a return to the Black Stars
Asamoah Gyan is a house-hold name in Ghana, and for many years – even decades to come, he would remain so.
If for nothing at all, he is the nation’s top-most goal poacher (51) for the Black Stars and Africa’s highest scorer at the global stage (World Cup) with six goals. Indeed, he is celebrated worldwide by football’s disciples.
Indeed, many Ghanaians have been waiting patiently for the former Liberty Professionals, Udinese, Rennes, Sunderland and Al Ain striker to broadcast his retirement from the sport that gave him so much fame. But that mega-announcement never game. Instead, Gyan – perhaps, stunned the world last week when he declared his intention to do his last hurrah at the Qatar 2022 World Cup in November with the Black Stars.
According to the enigmatic Gyan, he had begun a strenuous training regime that should put him in grand shape for possible selection into the Stars’ squad. But that decision had been met with mixed feeling from the public – majority of whom were in opposition to Gyan’s return as they cited various reasons including raucous events that led to Ghana’s first round exit at the 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil.
One of the people to bark against Gyan’s intended plans for Qatar is the former Minister of Youth and Sports under whose administration the Black Stars’ camp in Brazil caught fire, culminating in his sack by then President John Mahama.
“Asamoah Gyan was the Black Stars’ captain and told me that they can’t concentrate because the money issues have become a distraction and until they get their money, they can’t concentrate. The money issue was the main factor we encountered in Brazil,” Mr Afriyie Ankrah stormed.
Indeed, the players had held the nation to ransom at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, demanded their appearance fee be paid without which they were not going to train ahead of the last group game against Portugal. . They held on to their threat.
Also to kick against Gyan’s manoeuvres is owner and bankroller of King Faisal, Alhaji Karim Grusah.
“Personally, I don’t support his decision to play for the Black Stars at the World Cup. He should rather join the team as an ambassador or advisor,” he told the media.
However, the 36-year-old Gyan – known popularly as Baby Jet, is drawing strength from the exploits of Cameroonian legend Roger Milla – whose heroics at the 1990 World Cup, where he scored four goals for his country, is still etched on the minds of thousands across the world.
Unlike Gyan, Milla was very active before being drafted into the Cameroon national team – the Indomitable Lions. He had been active in the Réunion Islands, playing for St Pierre FC.
This was shortly after he had announced his retirement from international football, having inspired Cameroon to win the 1988 Nations Cup.
Obviously, the same cannot be said about Gyan who has not kicked a ball in a long while.
In November 2020, the Ghanaian legend returned to his home country’s domestic league for the first time since 2003, signing a deal with Legon Cities which was reportedly worth more than $1million.
Many had tipped him to spray the league with goals, but alas, that was not to be. His weight had depleted his sharpness in front of goal.
No wonder, he played six matches in all with no goals, nor assists. Put together, Gyan played 103 minutes in all, 79 minutes in the league and the rest, an FA Cup game against Uncle T United.
His first game was against Dreams FC at Dawu, on December 5, 2020 where he made a second half appearance; played eight minutes and also featured against them in the second round.
Gyan played two matches against Asante Kotoko for combined minutes of 47. Again, against WAFA in Legon Cities’ shirt, he lasted one minute on Matchday 25. That is not looking good for a player who wants to work his way back.
Anyway, the betPawa Ghana Premier League starts next month. Let us see what he brings on; that is if he gets hooked to a club. Perhaps, too, it would have been more honourable taking a bow now.
PlainTalk with John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
