Gyan tips Zambia as title contenders for 2015 AFCON

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has tipped Zambia to reach the finals of the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Black Stars skipper paid a glowing tribute to the Chipolopolo despite the huge recent rivalry between the two countries in recent matches.

Gyan, who plays for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), made this prediction on Wednesday afternoon when making a brief stop in the Zambian capital Lusaka.

The Black Stars captain made a stopover at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) on his way to Malawi for the United Nations AIDS (UN-AIDS) Stop the Goal Campaign, that Zambia was one of the strongest sides on the continent.

The Ghanaian captain said Zambia worked hard to win the 2012 AFCON title and was confident that the Chipolopolo will be one to watch out at next year’s edition.

“No one gave them (Zambia) a chance in 2012 but the team really worked hard to win the title and I am sure Zambia will be one of the strongest contenders for the title next year,” Gyan said.

Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 in a match that saw Gyan miss a penalty in the semi finals at the 2012 AFCON finals and repeated the result during the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Ndola but lost 2-1 in Kumasi.

Gyan said he was looking forward to playing the Chipolopolo in Morocco.

Meanwhile, UNAIDS institution capacity adviser Kenneth Mwansa said the Stop the Goal Campaign was aimed at ensuring youths were kept away from vices that could put them at risk of acquiring HIV.

Mwansa said it was why his organisation was using celebrities like Gyan, who are role models to the youths.

He said Gyan had taken a long journey to as far as Brazil and many other parts of the world before he hands over the ball to Malawi where it will be signed by the President Peter Mutharika.