Ghana players back Gyan

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Ghana players back Gyan

Thursday, 09 February 2012

Ghana players have given their backing to striker Asamoah Gyan in the wake of his penalty miss against Zambia in the semifinal of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene palmed away the UAE-based striker's spot kick to deny the Black Stars the opener.

The Chipolopolo went on to win Wednesday's game 1-0, giving them a place in the final of the competition.

Gyan missed a penalty kick at the 2012 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay which drew criticism from certain quarters.

Despite the criticism Black Stars assistant coach Kwesi Appiah says the striker needs to be encouraged rather than condemned.

“Most of the time it’s the best players who take penalty kicks and sometimes they miss it. He [Gyan] is our best penalty taker anytime we have a penalty and it’s just unfortunate," Appiah said after the game.

“It’s one of those things in the game. It’s time to encourage him than bring him down."

Black Stars captain John Mensah also re-iterrated Appiah's comments insisting the striker must be supported.

“I spoke to him [Gyan] after the game in the dressing room. We are all aware that penalties can go either way and it can happen to anyone," Mensah said.

“We just have to keep on encouraging him and make sure he can stay fit for the next game."