From Stephen Gyamfi

Washington, DC

Seeing a video on Ghanaweb of Asamoah Gyan being mobbed by adoring fans when the Black Stars visited the Mandelas in South Africa teared me up. In essence, what those fans were saying was that, despite missing a seeming sured goal to put Ghana and Africa on the soccer map and history, Africa is still grateful for a job well done by you and the Black Stars! And yes, fans of Ghana must be saying, thank you Asamoah Gyan, thank you Ghana Black Stars!

I am cognizant of the fact that the dramatic way in which the Stars lost the Fifa World Cup quarter-final match against Uruguay would leave many Ghanaians sad and heartbroken. In fact, I continue to agonize for my hero Gyan, because I know this unfortunate situation will be like an albatross around his neck for the rest of his professional career or even in life, unless he leads Ghana to semi finals or even championship in the 2014 Fifa World Cup. But he showed a strength of character when he came back to score Ghana’s second penalty in overtime. He had also been the “Player of the Match” of 2 of 3 Ghana’s matches, and was on the verge of achieving the same if he had not missed the penalty kick.

Ghanaians must, therefore, not lose sight of the fact that the Black Stars have advanced further in both Fifa World Cup 2006 and 2010 than any other African nation, period! We can also take solace that Ghana, relative to giant soccer-nations such as France and Italy, did very well. Or better said, equaled the likes of Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, etc. It is not a bad company to belong. And being considered among the best 8 of over 200 nations that took part of the Fifa World Cup qualifying is a great feat, and buoyed the hearts of the African people in the first global soccer attraction to be held on the continent.

And so fellow Ghanaians, let us welcome Asamoah Gyan and the rest of the Black Stars contingent with hero’s welcome. Asamoah Gyan, for most of the time, was the lone striker and warrior in Ghana’s 4-2-3-I tactical scheme. Let us, soccer-loving Ghanaian fans, take a tactical retreat, so that we can come back to win it all in 2014!

Long Live Asamoah Gyan, Long Live Ghana!