Former Black Stars player Samuel Osei Kuffour believes that coach James Kwasi Appiah could have saved himself the trouble and let Asamoah Gyan remain the captain before the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.

Kwasi Appiah then coach of the Black Stars stripped Asamoah Gyan of the captaincy and awarded it to Andre Dede Ayew before the tournament.

The move saw Asamoah Gyan retiring from the national team but later had to reverse his decision following an intervention by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

"It was a bit disturbing for the NC. I could see that some people are hit somewhere. You could see that Asamoah Gyan was really hurt about the whole situation."

"It goes all the way to the President [Akufo-Addo] so NC had become limited. NC had nothing more to say about it. That is why the President came in and spoke to the two players with the coach and the [sports] ministry. In my view, it was a little bit hectic. Why couldn’t we wait until after the tournament then we make the change the captaincy?"

"That period, Kwasi Appiah in my view should have probably had a second thought about the whole issue before making that decision [changing captains] and I think he [Asamoah Gyan] shouldn’t have said he wanted to retire. He should have calmed down. When you say those things, people may take it for granted."

"I would just leave it as it is [If I were Kwasi Appiah]. Asamoah Gyan is the captain. If he doesn’t play, Andre is the captain. Andre is like the second captain. He will wear the armband."

"That will seal the case. For bringing Andre in and Asamoah out with the atmosphere and all that. They can laugh but within their hearts, how well would [they collaborate]?”he told Joy FM.

Black Stars has failed to win the AFCON trophy since 1982.