Asamoah Gyan Equals Roger Milla + Stars Show Vast Improvement in Thrilling Draw

Captain Asamoah Gyan’s goal against Germany last night was his 5th at the World Cup, tying Cameroonian legend Roger Milla for the most goals scored by an African at the World Cup.

Gyan’s five goals are spread through the three world cups he has participated in, whilst Milla got his goals at Italia 90’ and USA 94’.

Considering Gyan’s age and his quality, it should be a fair bet that he would surpass the record sometime in the future, and despite everything Gyan deserves commendation.

He is also the only African to score at three world cups, whilst he is the Black Stars all time leading goal scorer with 41 goals.

Meanwhile the Black Stars showed a leap in quality from their opening day loss in their game against Germany.

The 2-2 draw against Germany has vastly improved the chances of the Black Stars of making the World Cup round of 16; providing Portugal beat the USA at 22:00 GMT tonight.

The opening day loss against USA had put Ghana in a precarious position in the tournament, and that coupled with upcoming games against Germany and Portugal meant the Stars World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread. But in a spectacular game in Fortaleza last night, Ghana battled Germany to a draw.

Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan were on target for Ghana, whilst Mario Gotze and Miroslav Klose got Germany’s two goals.

Aside the improvement in fortunes, the Stars showed a vast improvement over their ineffective opening day performance, with a creditable defensive display and quick counter attacking prowess.

Against the ‘kings of the counter-attack’, the Stars took the best possible approach; ceding possession and attempting to break with pace. And in an improvement of their opening day form, centre-back pairing John Boye and Jonathan Mensah were consistent, often getting first to the low crosses supplied in abundance by Mezut Ozil.

The introduction of Harrison Afful also worked wonders, as the Esperance defender worked tirelessly on his flank and provided the assist for the equaliser. Aside being enterprising, his crosses were brilliant and should serve as lessons to Opare and Inkoom.

For all the stick he received for the Stars’ opening day loss, Coach Kwesi Appiah also deserves some credit for drilling his team into a disciplined performance.

I maintained poor defensive organisation cost the team against the USA, and whilst there were flashes of that yesterday, it was overall a better situation than the first game.

The team still has to work on defending set pieces as they conceded from another one yesterday, and Kwadwo Asamoah at left back, I’m still not convinced about; but overall another performance like this on Thursday and the Stars should beat Portugal.