AFCON 2013: Gyan is our best striker – Ghana coach

Ghana Coach, Kwasi Appiah has tagged Asamoah Gyan  as his team’s best striker despite scoring only one of his team’s six goals so far at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Gyan’s output has come under the microscope following his inability to score as frequently as expected  but Appiah insists the player who is only two goals shy of breaking Abedi Pele’s all time national goal record of 33 is good enough.

“Gyan is my captain and for me, I am very satisfied with all the games he has played. Sometimes,  you look at the game and it is not about the player himself.  It is how he assists, draws people out and attract opponents and he creates opportunities for others.”

Appiah who is hoping to lead Ghana to end the search for the elusive fifth Nations Cup glory said of Gyan, “It is not every day that a player may have a good day, but the most important thing is his qualities that other players might have.’

Defending why the Al Ain striker has started every game in the face of the seemingly goal drought, Appiah said “In that aspect, you keep him in the team for other players to work around him. I personally believe he is the best striker we have at the moment.’

Gyan, 27, will however have to continue proving way he must be handed a starting role when the Stars line up against Cape Verde at the quarter final stage of competition on Saturday will be dependant on his output at training.

Appiah said “as to whether he will start the next game against Cape Verde or not will  depend on what he does during the training sessions”.

Gyan has scored 31 times for Ghana in over 60 caps.

Source: GNA