Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has admitted that his absence helped the Black Stars demolish Congo in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
Ghana whitewashed Congo 5-1 in Brazzaville, a game in which Thomas Partey’s incredible performance saw him net a hat-trick in the crunchy clash.
Red Star Belgrade striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom also bagged a brace to complete the Black Stars 5-1 victory over Congo.
Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew were all missing due to knocks and other complications, but a well composed and dedicated side led by Harrison Afful ensured Ghana finished the match in a grand style.
The Kayserispor striker disclosed in an interview with Accra based Hot FM his absence was important to Ghana’s victory, indicating it created space for the team to play some good football.
“In Kumasi, they were very defensive with five men at the back when I was in the game. When I was substituted, they opened up and we scored. So my absence really helped the team,” he said
“Even before we started the game in Congo, their skipper asked me whether I will be playing or not. When I told him I won’t play, he was happy. So that lured them to open up and we had our way,” Gyan added.
The Black Stars are now left with a difficult task of winning the rest of their games hoping Egypt and Uganda will lose their remaining games.
Egypt top group E with 9 points, as Uganda follows with 7 and Ghana with 5 with just two games left.