Sports News of Thursday, 28 November 2019

Source: ghanaguardian.com

Abukari Damba tips Jordan Ayew to surpass Gyan's record

Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew

Former Ghana goalkeeper Abukari Damba has tipped Black Stars attacker Jordan Ayew for greatness, claiming that the Crystal Palace man has what it takes to surpass the country's all time leading goal scorer Asamoah Gyan.

The Crystal Palace forward has been named in CAF’s 30 man shortlist for the 2019 player of the year award alongside Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey following an impressive start to the 2019/20 football season for both club and country.

Despite an early exit from Afcon 2019, Jordan was one of Ghana’s best players scoring to goals in games involving Benin and Guinea Bissau.

His goal tally with the Black Stars currently stands at 17 with his last goal coming against Sao Tome and Principe in Ghana's AFCON 2021 qualifying match last week.

Gyan on the other hand has netted 51 times in 106 matches but Damba believes the 28 year old who has shown good form lately can better those numbers.

Ayew's goal scoring prowess aside, its his versatility that appears to rank high in the books of Damba who feels strongly that Jordan can affect the game in a variety of ways.

“Jordan could be better than Asamoah Gyan.

Jordan can be used in multiple functionalities

He can be used as a typical playmaker or as a lead striker.

He has grown over a period and has become a better player who is confident and strong on the ball

He is a proper team player and can fit in any team,” Abukari Damba said on The Tracker on Citi TV.

Jordan will be competing for the honour with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.