Gyan opts out of Lone Star game


by Gary Al-Smith 21 August 2012, 14:14

SuperSport.com understands that Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has opted out of Ghana's planned friendly with Liberia next month. The Black Stars will take on the Lone Star on September 11 in Monrovia to mark Liberia's independence anniversary.

The game will be played just three days after Ghana host Malawi in the first-leg of the final qualifier for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. But the United Arab Emirates-based player does not want to be a part of the game due to club commitments.

Al Ain have a trophy to win in the Emirati Super Cup on September 12, a day after the friendly in Liberia. Asamoah Gyan wants to be a part of his club's quest for silverware and has asked for a leave of absence.

It is not clear if Kwesi Appiah will give the player permission to miss the commemorative game, but indications are that Gyan will be allowed fly out of Ghana to Dubai immediately after the Malawi game at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Last week, Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi had spoken of the importance of the Liberia friendly, with the official FA site saying "the match will help the Black Stars prepare for their return Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in Blantyre." Ghana are seeking to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by South Africa and will play Malawi in the first leg on September 8