Stars won’t let nation down - Gyan
Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan is optimistic that his side will break the jinx against The Cranes of Uganda when they host them in their FIFA World Cup Africa group qualification opener on Friday at the Tamale Sports Stadium.
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Gyan believed that his team knew their record with Uganda and were ready to put up a good fight to begin their quest for a Russia 2018 World Cup berth on a good note.
The Cranes have a good record against the Stars after drawing 1-1 with them away in Kumasi and winning 1-0 at home in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2014.
In all competitions, Ghana possess a head-to-head advantage with six wins, four draws and three losses against Uganda in 13 games, and Friday’s game is set to be a cracker as both sides look forward to beginning their campaign on a high.
Gyan told the media after the Stars’ first training at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday thus: “We always know matches between us and Uganda are very tough and after drawing and beating us in Accra and Uganda respectively, we are looking forward to breaking the jinx on Friday.
“It will be an entertaining game but we are ready to put up a good fight so we can start the campaign on a high note”.
On his part, the Deputy Captain of the Stars, Agyeman Badu, stressed on the need for the team to beat Uganda convincingly on Friday to start the campaign brightly.
He, assured the nation of a win come Friday, saying: “with the quality we have, it will be very difficult for them to beat us”.
The Stars’ training session saw 22 players in action, namely, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Mubarak Wakaso, Harrison Afful, Razak Brimah, Asamoah Gyan, Majeed Waris, Frank Acheampong, Samuel Tetteh, Christian Atsu, Jonathan Mensah, Edwin Gyimah, David Accam, Daniel Amartey, Enoch Adu Kofi, Emmanuel Ocran, John Boye, Richard Ofori, Gilbert Koomson, Baba Rahman, Jordan Ayew, Inusah Musah and Afriyie Acquah.
Goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey, Jeffery Schlupp and Thomas Partey were expected to arrive in the country last night to join the team to Tamale, where they will continue their preparations ahead of Friday’s crucial game.