6 times Asamoah Gyan has saved Ghana on the football field

While the striker has often made the headlines for the wrong reasons, there is no doubt that there have equally been times when he put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians.

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For an attacker who has scored a massive 51 goals for his country, Gyan certainly ranks among the greatest to ever wear the Black Stars jersey.

The newly-signed Kayserispor forward is a proven goalscorer, and has demonstrated his ruthlessness in front of goal at the grandest of stages, including at the world cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Pulse Sports takes a look at six moments when Gyan saved Ghana on the football field.

1. Ghana 2-1 USA (2010 world cup round of 16)

Ghana’s run to the quarter-final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was built on a collective effort, however, the individual brilliance of Asamoah Gyan cannot be understated.

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The Black Stars captain’s goal against the USA in the round of 16 – a strike which turned out to be the winner – will forever go down as one of the most important goals in the history of Ghana football.

With the score line deadlocked at 1-1, and the game fast into extra time, the 31-year-old rose to the occasion with a wonderful solo goal.

Gyan went on an amazing run, chasing a long clearance by Andre Ayew, skipped past two USA defenders, and finished with aplomb past Tim Howard.

The goal ensured Ghana became just the third African nation to ever make it to the quarter-finals of the FIFA world cup.

2. Scoring all of Ghana’s goals at the group stage of the 2010 World Cup

The 2010 world cup undoubtedly represented Ghana’s finest showing at the Mundial. The Black Stars rose above the odds to make it out of a tough group containing Germany, Serbia and Australia.

Key to that feat was the performance of Asamoah Gyan in the group stages. Remarkably, Ghana scored just two goals en route to qualifying into the round of 16, and Gyan was the scorer of all those goals.

The striker’s conversion from the penalty spot ensured Ghana ran out 1-0 winners in the opening group game against a spirited Serbia side.

The former Sunderland man again netted the equaliser as Ghana drew 1-1 with Australia in the second group game – again from the penalty spot after Harry Kewell handled Jonathan Mensah’s goal-bound shot.

Despite losing 1-0 to Germany in the final group game, the Black Stars made it into the next stage, all thanks to Gyans goals.

3. Construction of AstroTurf pitch at Accra Academy

In one of the most philanthropic gestures by a Ghanaian athlete, Asamoah Gyan put up a staggering edifice at his alma mater, Accra Academy Senior High School.

The striker cut the sod for the construction of the AstroTurf pitch in 2015, and it was commissioned this year, making it ready for use by students and other members of the community.

The project, which is estimated to have cost a whooping $250,000, will have a tartan track as well as a sports hall when fully completed.

And as he himself stated, it will help nurture more talents for the various national teams, and also serve as a recreational ground for other active participants in sports.

4. Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Turkey (Friendly match)

Asamoah Gyan’s importance to the Black Stars set-up was emphasized after his two goals against Turkey in a 2013 international friendly at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

The striker was initially left on the bench by coach Kwesi Appiah. However, with Turkey taking a 2-0 first half lead through Umut Bulut and Burak Yilmaz, Gyan had to be brought on in the second half.

His introduction sparked an instant reaction, as he scored in the 61st and 75th minutes to earn Ghana a draw.

5. Presenting $30,000 to the Black Queens

In another philanthropic move that benefited the nation greatly, Asamoah Gyan donated $10,000 to the Black Queens as they prepared to participate in the 2015 All Africa Games staged in Congo Brazaville.

The striker had heard of the team’s struggles with regards to funding, and made it a point to help motivate them for the competition.

Gyan later presented another $30,000 to the Black Queens after they won the tournament. His gesture went a long way to motivate the ladies in winning the gold medal for Ghana.

6. Ghana 1-1 England (Friendly Game)

Ghanaians have always known Asamoah Gyan to be a good footballer, however, the world’s eye was opened to his greatness after his amazing goal against England in a friendly game in 2014.

The Black Stars had fallen behind thanks to a thunderous strike from Andy Carroll. However, Gyan erupted the Wembley stadium with a moment of magic during the final minutes of the game.

The striker dummied three England defenders, before skipping past Joel Lescott to curl home the leveler in the 92nd minute.

It was a goal worthy of being scored by a talented player like him, but more importantly saved Ghana from the claws of defeat.