Asamoah Gyan warns against 'tricky' 2013 AFCON draw
Posted On Thursday, 25th October 2012
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan
By Patrick Akoto
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has warned the road to Nations Cup success will be tough despite a group B draw that should hold few fears for the four-time African champions.
The Black Stars have been drawn in a tricky group that comprises of two-time winners DR Congo, old foes Mali and Niger in Port Elizabeth.
The Ghanaians will face a mental battle against Congo in their opening encounter on January 20.
The Leopards are being coached by experienced and former Ghana coach Claude Leroy who guided the West African side to win bronze in the continental showpiece in 2008.
Mali are also familiar opponents having defeated Ghana to pick bronze at the last edition of the tournament held in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea.
The Al Ain attacker is confident about the chances of the team in the group phase but admits it won’t be easy.
“It is not an easy draw because any team that has gotten to this stage cannot be underrated at all,” Gyan told GHANAsoccernet.com
“We met Mali in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea and we all saw their performance.
“The teams are all strong contenders.
“The fact that Niger have qualified to the Nations Cup means they are a strong side and such countries can always upsets the big teams.
“We just have to remain focus and fight for the nation.”
Ghana will play their last group game against neighbours Niger on January 28.
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good talk Gyan,any team that has gotten to this stage cannot be underrated at all,we just have to remain focus and fight for the nation……
God bless Ghana
Now that he is the captain, he will not play the fool.
Masa, if U don’t have balls don’t go on the pitch.
Blah blah blah blah, these dark skinned dead stars
Asamoah you are a good player I know Its your time to showe the world and africa that you are one of the best players on this earth.We are all backing you by the greac of alminght Allah you will led the black stars of ghana for the fiveth cup.Have focus coming 2013 will be your year we are waiting for the cup in ghana accra amine.
i swear every tym i hear this bullshit from players, i just want to kill someone. I’d prefer u to brag and deliver rather than say stuff like this so that u can make stupid excuses when u lose.
Asamoah is SCARED!! period!!He is playing it safe so that he is not blamed when Ghana loses next year!He will say i warned everybody about this!
Group A is a group where any two can get through.
Group B is a group where it should be Ghana and Mali but if Ghana or Mali slip up, (which can happen) DR Congo or Niger could slide on through. I have a feeling that either Ghana or Mali will mess up. We shall see.
Group C looks like a clear Zambia and Nigeria go through. However, I can see Burkina Faso pulling an upset against Zambia. Ethiopia is likely to more competitive than most expect but their lack of defense might sink them.
Group D is tough. I think Ivory Coast is clearly superior and will find a way through. However, Tunisia, Algeria and Togo can all handle themselves well. What I can say is that who ever comes out of this group is going to be confident in the knock out stages because they would really have been tested.