Asamoah Gyan named in Ghana’s provisional Africa Cup of Nations squad after coming out of retirement

It has been an eventful 48 hours for former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, after the 33-year-old announced his retirement from international football only to reverse his decision after speaking to Ghana’s president.

The striker, who is currently playing for Turkish Süper Lig outfit Kayserispor, had announced that he would be retiring from Black Stars duties after being snubbed for the captaincy on Monday.

However, after speaking to the Ghanian president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the legendary African footballer has decided that he will play in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations and has been selected by coach Kwasi Appiah.

Other names listed in Appiah’s provisional squad included former Chelsea full-back Baba Rahman, Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and brothers Jordan and Andre Ayew.

Asamoah Gyan’s statement read:

“I have taken the request of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in good faith and will make myself available for selection by coach Kwasi Appiah to help win the AFCON trophy.

“A presidential request is one that cannot be disregarded.”

After making his debut at the age of 17 and scoring on his full debut for the Black Stars back in November 2003, the former Sunderland man, who at 33 is coming towards the end of his career, will be keen to add to his legacy with the nation. His current tally now for his country stands at 51 goals in 106 international appearances.

Gyan is also the country’s record goalscorer but it is unknown whether the attacker will be leading his side out in Egypt as it’s being reported in his native home that Jordan Ayew will replace him as captain.

The last time that Gyan featured for Ghana was back in September 2017 as re-occuring injuries have limited his playing time for his club side down to just 16 matches this season.

In those games, he’s scored five times, though he will be looking for a much more prolific time when playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in a month’s time. Gyan scored in all three World Cups he has competed in between 2006 and 2014, while also scoring in six consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.