Sports News of Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Source: Daily Guide
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has tasked his colleagues to remain focused despite failing to realize their fifth nations cup dream.
The 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations ultimate prize slipped through the fingers of the Black Stars last Sunday when they clashed with the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the just-ended soccer festival in Equatorial Guinea.
But the Al-Ain forward indicated that a demonstration of mental toughness is the only thing that would keep the losing finalists in form as they return to their respective clubs.
He admitted the emotional trauma the team was going through due to last Sunday night’s loss in Bata, but urged his colleagues to pull themselves together and keep their head up.
“…I would like to urge my colleagues to be mentally tough as they return to their various clubs else it will have a telling effect on their careers. Like the GFA president said, we were unlucky, but we have to remain focused and mentally strong.
“We demonstrated team spirit from the very first day we got to camp and throughout the entire competition.
The team did wonderfully well, I hope Ghana will win it next time,” he said at the Kotoka International Airport on arrival from Equatorial Guinea last Monday.
He commended his deputy Dede Ayew, coach Avram Grant, the team’s special physio, Maria, for their exceptional roles in diverse forms.
Gyan breathed life into Ghana’s stuttering campaign with a late stunner in the Stars-Algeria Group game to ensure their stay in the competition.