[ 2017-01-16 ]

Asamoah Gyan, Black Star captain

I'm fit for AFCON opener - Gyan
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says he is putting
finishing touches on his fitness ahead of the
Black Stars' Africa Cup of Nations Group D opener
against Uganda in Port-Gentil on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old, who will be making his seventh
consecutive appearance at the tournament since
2006, admits struggles with injuries ahead of his
previous Afcon campaigns but feels good this time
around.

“I just recovered from injury. The quality is
there already with the ball work but I need to
work on my conditioning for my resistance so that
I can fit into a game for 90 minutes. That is the
only thing I need that is why I am spending a lot
of time with the physical trainer,” Gyan told
TV3.

“I have had so many experiences with the Nations
Cup. I have never gone to one in top physical
shape. The only time I was not injured, I got sick
two years ago. This time I feel good and I can’t
wait for the first game to start,” he added.

Gyan also believes that Ghana, who are yet to lift
the trophy since 1982, can replicate Cote
d'Ivoire's record.

The Elephants lost 2008 and 2012 Afcon finals to
Egypt and Zambia respectively, before winning the
trophy on the third time of asking in 2015.

“I always use Ivory Coast as an example. They
lost two finals and then won the third one against
Ghana on penalties. We can do that too. We have
quality players and our attitude is what will
determine. It is very easy to say you can win the
trophy but you must show it on the pitch. To win a
trophy everyone must get involved. We need to be
strong, have depth and hope that we stay injury
free.”

The former Sunderland striker has scored seven
Afcon goals and is a goal shy of equalling Osei
Kofi and Wilberforce Mfum's record of eighth
apiece, but he insists he is not eyeing personal
glory ahead of the team's success.

“I try to do my best for the team to win, not
break records. I leave the rest for people to
judge. I just try to get the job done. I will try
and go there and do my best for Ghana and make
sure we bring it home.”

Source - Goal.com

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