Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has responded to the complaints about the customised armband he wore when Ghana thumped Ethiopia 5-0 in an AFCON 2019 qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Gyan wore a custom armband with the colours of the Ghana flag with his image and iconic number 3 on it.
The controversy came about when the captain was substituted in the 73rd minute to make way for striker Majeed Waris.
Gyan upon leaving the pitch did not and could not hand over the captain’s band to Andre Ayew, his deputy because it was customised.
Andre Ayew had to be given a new one from the dugout, thus fueling the perceived rift between himself and his vice.
The move led to many Ghanaians asking questions and criticising the player but the Al Ahli striker in a post match interview said what he did wasn’t a novelty.
He said: “ … it is quite strange that people are making comments about this armband thing after a huge win.”
“Honestly I don’t know what people want again, Zanetti of Inter Milan had his picture on his arm band, Icardi of Inter Milan and Sergio Ramos as well so why is it that anything Asamoah Gyan does is becomes an issue.”
“At the end of the day we have won and we should be happy with that.”
Gyan also on the day made history when he scored the opening goal for the Stars in the ninth minute. The goal means Asamoah Gyan has become the first Ghanaian player to score 50 goals for the senior national team.
The remaining four goals were scored by Raphael Dwamena (two goals on his Black Stars debut), John Boye as well as Ebenezer Ofori.