Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan has drawn the lines by admitting he would prefer winning next year’s AFCON trophy than qualifying for the world Cup in Russia 2018.

The Ghana skipper who has battled with injury in the last year returned to goal scoring duty over the weekend as his Shanghai SIPG side cruised to a 4-0 victory in the Chinese league.

The goal was his first for the season after he sat out the last two games due to a thigh injury he picked up on international duty.

Gyan is Africa’s highest goal scorer at the world cup with six goals, having featured in the last three editions for the Stars, but he says he would pick an AFCON trophy at the expense of another world cup place in Russia.

“If you look at what Ghanaians desire at the moment it’s the African Cup because it’s been long since we won it,” Gyan told Accra based Happy FM from his base in China

“I would pick winning the Africa Cup of nations trophy ahead of the world cup qualification if I am presented with choosing from of the two.”

“Both will be competitive but I will prefer to have us win the AFCON though I must admit the world cup qualification is also important.”

"But i must also admit that we are targeting both knowing very well that it would not be easy."

Having finally found the back of the net two minutes after coming off the bench for SIPG Gyan said he was delighted to have finally played again.

“I am happy and its beginning to come together for me so lets pray and see what happens in the next few games.”

“In football injuries are part but once I have returned I will continue giving it my best and soon I will be back to my very best.”