Kwesi Appiah jumps to the defence of Asamoah Gyan

Coach James Kwesi Appiah has defended Asamoah Gyan’s decision to use a customized captain armband in Ghana’s 2019 AFCON qualifying match against Ethiopia played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday, June 11, 2017.

The Black Stars teed off their journey to the 2019 African Cup of Nations in a grandiose fashion having beaten Ethiopia 5-0 but interestingly enough, it was Asamoah Gyan’s customized armband which had the face of the ‘Baby Jet’ embossed on it that dominated the headlines instead of the teams’ emphatic win.

Meanwhile, speaking at a post match press conference, coach Kwesi Appiah explained that Asamoah Gyan, who left the pitch with the ‘special armband’ when he was replaced in the second half by Abdul Majeed Waris cannot be blamed since it was a decision by the entire team.

“What happened was that the captain armband had been customized with Gyan’s picture on it so we are all aware of it. In case he’s been changed, we cannot give the customized band to Dede – Andre Ayew,” Coach Kwesi Appiah said.

As a result of this, the deputy captain [Andre Ayew] had to go the bench for a different captain’s armband.

“So, the idea was in case he is being changed we need to give Dede the original one,” Kwesi Appiah added.

By Yiadom Boakye Adwini-Poku

www.sports24ghana.com