Al Ain’s Gyan will captain Ghana at 2014 World Cup

Al Ain striker will continue to lead his country in Brazil next summer, where Ghana face a tough group against Germany, USA and Portugal, writes John McAuley.

Once again, Asamoah Gyan, right, who stars for Al Ain, will captain his native Ghana in the World Cup this summer in Brazil. AFP PHOTO/STR

Ghana have entrusted Asamoah Gyan, the Al Ain striker, as captain for next summer’s Fifa World Cup because of the leadership qualities he displayed during the most recent African Cup of Nations.

The prolific striker, who has been capped almost 80 times by his country, will again be given the armband in Brazil, when Ghana face a daunting Group G that comprises Germany, the United States and Portugal.

Gyan performed admirably as captain at the Nations Cup earlier this year, helping guide his side to a third-place finish. Although he scored a solitary goal, the forward was named in the team of the tournament.

Ghana’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, will therefore hope Gyan continues to play an integral role in the west Africans’ quest to better their 2010 World Cup campaign, when they missed out on a semi-final place following a penalty-shootout defeat to Uruguay.

Gyan missed a spot-kick in the last few moments of normal time, yet he still contributed considerably to his team’s tournament by scoring three goals. Thus, much is expected of him in Brazil next June.

“Gyan is someone I think I can rely on, and I needed to give him more responsibilities,” Appiah told the Ghanaian media at the weekend. “When we were going for the [Nations Cup] we had some players unavailable and Gyan was the most senior and most respected guy at the time. That is why I gave him the captaincy.

“He played his role so well at the Nations Cup, and my confidence in him rose after the competition. That is why he remains captain to this day.”

Gyan, who was this month linked with a loan move to the England’s West Ham United, has been the lead scorer in the UAE top flight for the past two seasons. He currently heads the charts this term, with 15 goals through 12 rounds.