Stars coach downplays Gyan's absence for Congo clash

Accra, March 14, GNA - Head coach Goran 91Plavi' Stevanovic has downplayed the absence of striker Asamoah Gyan for the crucial CAN 2012 qualifier against Congo on March 27 in Brazzaville.

Gyan, who is serving a three-match ban after he was sent off against Sudan last September, but Plavi says he can make do in the absence of his 91star' striker.

In-form Prince Tagoe and Dominic Adiyiah are expected to lead Ghana's attack in the absence of the Sunderland hit-man. The Serb told GNA Sports in Accra on Monday that he has absolute faith in Gyan's replacements and trust them to deliver accordingly. "I have 100 percent faith in my players. I believe in their abilities and we can succeed."

Despite Gyan's unavailability, Plavi confirmed that the striker will travel with the team to Congo to motivate his colleagues to victory against the Red Devils.

"Gyan will travel with the team to inspire the rest of the team," Plavi said.

The Sunderland striker has metamorphosed into arguably the most important member of the Black Stars after stellar performances at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup in Angola and South Africa respectively.