Posted On Wednesday, 3rd April 2013
Asamoah Gyan
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says he is keen on breaking legend Abedi Pele’s scoring record but insists his focus is on sending the country to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Black Stars skipper netted his 32nd goal in his 71st appearances for Ghana last week when they thrashed Sudan 4-0 in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Gyan’s opening goal for the Black Stars edged him closer to breaking the scoring record for the national team.
The goal put him only one away from the national record held by former Stars captain and three times African Footballer of the Year, Abedi Ayew Pele.
Abedi made 73 international appearances for the Stars during which though a midfielder, he scored 33 goals before his retirement after the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations held in Burkina Faso.
With more playing time ahead of him, the Al-Ain striker, like Lionel Messi, who is also two goals shy of equaling Argentine Diego Maradona’s scoring record, could surpass Abedi’s record in a matter of time.
Despite being happy with the possibility of breaking Abedi’s record, Gyan is more interested in making sure the Black Stars qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
“I think there is time for everything and I’m not really bothered by what should have happened or didn’t happen. For as long as the game has not come to an end and somebody makes a record, another person could break it,” Gyan told Graphic Sports.
“While I see it as a great honour, I would be happier if I scored more goals which would help Ghana win more and qualify for the 2014 World Cup which is our next major assignment.”
The Black Stars’ next official assignment will be in June when they play away to Lesotho and Sudan before hosting Zambia in September.