Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

Black Stars skipper, Asamoah Gyan, insists the Cranes of Uganda have long been a thorn in their flesh as they have found it difficult to overcome them whenever they lock horns.

 

The Black Stars of Ghana open their 2018 World Cup campaign on Friday, October 7,2016 against the Cranes in Tamale.

 

The Black Stars have a better head-to-head record to Uganda, having won six, drawn four and lost three.

 

But Gyan, in an interview with the press after their first training session, admitted how tough the Cranes have been in recent years, especially having drawn in Ghana when they last clashed.

 

He said: “Since 2003, that I joined the national team, the Ugandans have been our headache. It’s either we draw or they win, but this time round, we will try and break that jinx because all my team mates are aware of the fact.

 

“So we are mentally prepared for the encounter and we hope to get good results”, he concluded.

Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

Gyan And Dede Would Be Missed - Grant

Ghana Coach, Avram Grant, has reiterated the difficulty he is facing in not having his substantive captain Asamoah Gyan and his deputy, Dede Ayew, both unavailable for the clash against Russia, as their strong character as leaders will be missed.

Avram Grant

Both players, who are missing from the Stars’ line-up, have sustained various forms of injury which have prevented them from playing in the match against Rwanda last Saturday and against Russia which will be played today.

After their last training session before the match against Russia, Grant said; “It’s not easy to play without your two captains, but in these qualifiers, we have played a few games without them.

“I want them to be fit, but they are not fit, and it’s unfortunate. I hope they can be able to join us, going into the future.”

Grant will be hoping to have his two captains back when they face the Cranes of Uganda on the 2nd of October in the first match of a double header 2018 World Cup qualifier before an anticipated tough encounter with the Pharaohs of Egypt (6th October).

The match will kick-off at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow, at exactly 16:00hrs GMT.

Gyan And Dede Would Be Missed - Grant

Some People Are Trying To Create A Rivalry Between Me And Dede- Gyan

Captain of Ghana’s national team, Asamoah Gyan has debunked comments being made by some ex-national team footballers that he should relinquish the captaincy of the Black Stars to Dede Ayew if he wants to ‘save’ his career.

Dede Ayew

The striker have had his leadership style being questioned by these individuals who claim that he is not fostering unity among the current Black Stars team and is not fit to lead the nation to the next major tournament.

“Certain people are trying to create a rivalry between myself and Andre Ayew, because of past events that happened in the 1990’s. I was in the team five years before Ayew came in 2008,  he looks up to me both on and the field of play and our relationship is an harmonious one.”

“Before you will be a leader you would have to pass through so many things, so as for you to manage certain difficulties in the team”, Gyan told Accra based radio station, Hot FM on Monday.

He further went on to reiterate how firm he is to withstand any criticism that may be constructive or nonconstructive.

“I’m not scared of anything, I have developed so much experience to concentrate on these trivial issues being raised by the ex-footballers”, he ended.

Some People Are Trying To Create A Rivalry Between Me And Dede- Gyan

Gyan Faces Stiff Competition As Shangai SIPG Sign €55 Million Brazilian Striker

The Captain of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan will be facing stiff competition as multiple sources are today claiming that his club Shanghai SIPG have completed the signing of Zenit St. Petersburg forward Hulk for €55 Million.

 

Hulk (Brazil)

Gyan whose season has been marred by injuries has scored three goals having made 10 appearances so far in the season.

 

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson seeks to rejuvenate his striking forces as his side are struggling in the Chinese super league having gained four points from a maximum 15 points.

Hulk on the other hand moved to the Russian side in 2012 for €60m, but in recent times has been linked with a move away from the Krestoksvy Stadium.

It will be his second spell in Asia, having spent three years in Japan earlier in his career.

Shanghai SIPG finished second in the CSL last season, but have thus far struggled, residing in fourth place and just outside the AFC Champions League places.

Gyan Faces Stiff Competition As Shangai SIPG Sign €55 Million Brazilian Striker

Gyan Has Been Outstanding and Inspirational - Derek Boateng

Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has relished his playing days with the senior national team and still reminisces how current captain Asamoah Gyan has been an outstanding figure in terms of being a charismatic and inspiring player for the Black Stars.

The 32-year-old signed for the Oklahoma City-based Rayo OKC in January and has been in terrific form since his arrival.

When asked to choose a player that stands out and has being an inspiration in his playing career and personal living in an interview granted Beats&Rhythm FC, he said, “Now I’m no more with the national team but Asamoah Gyan is the one who stands out”.

In November 2013, Derek retired from international duty and his move to Rayo OKC has been a promising one as he is a significant component of the team.

When asked about his zeal for his current team he said ” I have to keep pushing, keep working hard and helping my teammates. Keep on looking forward to every game and make sure you are there for your team and in the right place at the right time.

“Do the right things and believe in God, like always. Pray for my teammates and pray for myself, ” he concluded.

 

Gyan Has Been Outstanding and Inspirational - Derek Boateng