Kwasi Appiah explains why Dede Ayew replaced Asamoah Gyan as Black Stars’ captain in 2019

Ghanaian coach James Kwasi Appiah has made known the reason behind the Black Stars’ captaincy change from Asamoah Gyan to Andre Ayew in 2019.

Ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Appiah announced Gyan as the general captain, giving the band to current skipper Ayew.

Speaking to Sienu TV, the former Black Stars coach said it is because Gyan did not have the strength he used to have and was not going to start games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

“I knew that his performance could not go to the level I wanted because modern football is not about name and his strength was not that high compared to years back.

“That was the main reason. Looking at the games he had played personally, I don’t believe I will be the captain and I will be on the bench. The captain should be on the pitch to control things,” Coach Kwesi Appiah said.

The gaffer further disclosed that despite his concerns on the fitness of Asamoah Gyan who had not played many games in the months leading to the AFCON, he believed the veteran had something to offer.

This is why he still included the Ghana legend in his squad for the tournament.

“The reason why I took Gyan to the competition was because Gyan had helped the nation for a while and I said if you are not injured no matter what I will take you to the tournament and I want you to finish on that note,” Kwesi Appiah shared.

Andre Dede Ayew will lead the Black Stars to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Ghana plays their first game against Cape Verde on January 14.

By Dennis Ivan Opoku/FootyGhana