Gyan makes goalscoring return for Ghana

Asamoah Gyan allayed the fears of many Ghana fans by playing and scoring in an Africa Cup of Nations warm-up match on Wednesday.

The Black Stars beat Platinum Stars 2-0 in the South African city Rustenburg, thanks to goals from Gyan and Andre 'Dede' Ayew.


The former Sunderland striker drove home after 27 minutes, with Ayew adding a second five minutes later.


Gyan had been a major concern after damaging a hamstring in late December.


The United Arab Emirates-based striker, 26, had been expected to be out for three weeks but returned to training on Saturday following horse placenta treatment from a Serbian healer.

He managed 45 minutes for Goran Stevanovic's side on Wednesday, before being withdrawn by the Serb coach at half-time as a precautionary measure.


The game at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, which hosted a number of World Cup matches in 2010, was the second for Ghana after Sunday's 1-1 draw in a practice match with South Africa.


The Black Stars have been training in the land where they reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 ahead of flying to Gabon for the tournament on Friday.


Ghana have been drawn in Group D where they will play Botswana (24 January), Mali (28 January) and Guinea (01 February).

Ghana starting line up: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Masahudu Alhassan/Daniel Opare, John Boye, John Mensah, Anthony Annan/Derek Boateng, Jordan Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew

Subs: Daniel Agyei, Lee Addy, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Isaac Vorsah, Charles Takyi, Mohammed Abu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Prince Tagoe, Ernest Sowah