I’ll reassess penalty boycott – Asamoah Gyan

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan will reconsider his decision not to take penalty kicks for the Black Stars.

The Al Ain striker decided to stay off that exercise three years ago in the wake of two crucial misses for Ghana. He was tactically substituted in the dying minutes in the Africa Cup of Nations final between Ghana and Ivory Coast to avoid taking part in the spot kick.

The Chairman of the Black Stars management committee and a member of the FA’s Emergency Committee George Afriyie has told the Graphic Sports that the captain had been urged to reconsider his stance.

“I believe it’s time for Gyan to reconsider his stance. With his contribution to the national team, he has nothing else to prove, but he is a senior player and has become more experienced than he was when he took the decision not to take penalty kicks.

“We understand the emotions attached to his decision, but we have also urged him to have a rethink,” Afriyie said.

In reaction, Gyan, said he will sleep over it.

“There is no problem with me taking penalty kicks. However, it must be acknowledged also that the decision was not taken in a vacuum. With what I have experienced in the past, I don’t need to rush back. As a striker and captain of the team, I will do all I can to help the team succeed so, whatever decision I take with regards to this particular issue will be in the interest of the national team and not a personal one,” Gyan said.