Asamoah Gyan: “The AFCON is Like a World Cup”
In an insightful revelation, Ghana’s all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, has shared his deep admiration for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), likening it to the prestige and significance of the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on Rio Presents, a podcast hosted by former England international Rio Ferdinand, Gyan made an impassioned case for why AFCON holds such a special place in the hearts of African players and fans alike.
According to the Ghanaian football legend, the tournament is much more than just a continental competition.
“The AFCON is like a World Cup to me. That’s what every African player thinks,” Gyan said.
His words reflect the immense pride and reverence that many players from across the continent have for the tournament, which has long been the heartbeat of African football.
As one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers, Gyan has had a storied career with the Black Stars, representing Ghana in seven editions of the prestigious AFCON tournament from 2008 on home soil to 2019 in Egypt.
Throughout these tournaments, he displayed incredible skill and leadership, becoming a talismanic figure for his national team.
During his AFCON career, Gyan scored 8 goals, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest African strikers of his generation.
With him in the team, Ghana reach the semifinals of the AFCON on six consecutive occasions, from 2008-2017. Despite the Black Stars’ consistent presence at the top level, Gyan’s career in AFCON finals ended in heartbreak on two occasions, with Ghana falling short in 2010 to Egypt in Angola and 2015 to Ivory Coast in Equatorial Guinea.
Yet, Gyan’s connection to the AFCON remains unshakeable, as he emphasizes the tournament’s significance for the African continent, highlighting its status as an ultimate showcase of talent, pride, and passion.
The AFCON, he suggests, is an event that stands in its own right, comparable to the FIFA World Cup in terms of its cultural importance and its ability to unite millions across Africa.