Gyan thriving on national pride

Asamoah Gyan feels honoured representing country as he plays through pain in his bid to help Ghana to African Cup of Nations glory.

The Ghana striker picked up a hamstring injury in the run up to the tournament but has worked his way to full fitness and admits that the love for country is motivating him.

“It’s true that I am playing through pain,” Gyan said. “For example in 2008, it was the same.”

“I was playing through pain and you saw what happened but life goes on.”

For a player who almost packed out of the Black Stars camp in the 2008 edition of the competition staged by Ghana after coming under heavy criticisms from supporters, a renewed sense of patriotism is the only driving force behind his decision to continue playing through the pain barrier.

“The technical team have confidence in me and the players also have confidence in me, they know what I am capable of doing. I have to keep on going. I am a Ghanaian and I have to sacrifice for my country.”

Gyan, who for six years now has be leading from the front for the Black Stars says he has no problem striking on his own.

The striker played on his own in the opening game and was on hand for Ghana in the second Group D match against Mali, scoring from a fantastic 30 metre free-kick before setting up Andre Ayew to score in the 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Gyan, who has been at the forefront of Ghana's recent successes, has been closely marked by defenders since the start of the tournament.

The UAE-based striker says the attention he gets from opposing sides 'shows how great I am', shrugging off suggestions that opponents would be able to blunt Ghana’s attacking threat by closing him down.

“If you try to take me out the game, I can punish you by scoring,” he said.

“Everybody playing against Ghana will be going against Asamoah Gyan … If somebody comes for me, I think this is a great thing.”