Mensah jumps into Gyan's defence

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Equatorial Guinea. Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Bata, Feb. 9, GNA - Black Stars captain, John Mensah has jumped into the defence of Asamaoh Gyan who missed from the spot kick in their abortive attempt to win a fifth continental glory when they lost to Zambia in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations last Wednesday.

Gyan who stepped up for the kick after Kwadwo Asamoah was fouled on eight minutes, saw his attempt saved by goalkeeper Mweene Kennedy to cap a frustrating day for the Stars.

However, captain Mensah insist 'crucifying' Gyan will be unfair since great players even miss from the spot all the time. “Penalties are like that. One can sometimes miss or score and it happens to even great players.” He stated.

Mensah was, however, apologetic for the loss that saw the Stars touted as the tournament favourites, chasing bronze at the third and fourth place meeting on Saturday scheduled for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

“'We are very sorry to have let our Nation down this way. We stepped out there to play with our hearts out but things didn't turn out the way we wanted. “'We promise to come out stronger in next year's Nations Cup to make them proud.” Mensah noted.

Mensah admits lifting up the team's spirit for the Saturday's game can be difficult but insists they are left with no option than to succeed.

“Right now everyone is very down and its very difficult because we are all very sad. But we will have to lift up our spirits and will be encouraging them so we can be ready for Saturday's game.

“This is not the kind of result we expected. We knew we wanted to go as far as the finals and we worked towards that. So what has happened is painful but we have to keep going.” He noted.

Ghana will now meet Mali who lost 0-1 to Cote D'Ivoire in the other semi final game for bronze on Saturday whilst the finals comes off on Sunday between Zambia and Cote D'Ivoire to bring down the curtain on the tournament.