Asamoah Gyan's testimonial game is long overdue - Black Stars Team Manager Ameenu Shardow

Black Stars Team Manager Ameenu Shardow beleives Ghana Football Association's decision to honour Asamoah Gyan is long overdue.

The country's football governing body, on Tuesday, November 4, confirmed that they have initiated plans to honour the former Sunderland and Stade Rennais striker with a testimonial match for his contribution to football.

Gyan, who retired in 2023 at age 37, remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances.

“It’s extremely important because, aside from the fact that we are using it to honour a distinguished personality, somebody who has given everything for this nation, this also serves as a sign of a nation that appreciates its heroes,” Shardow told Joy Sports.

“It encourages other players to also give their best because they know, at the end of the day, they will be well appreciated.

“So, for me, this is long overdue. I’m very happy that finally, the GFA is taking the lead in getting these things done and not leaving them in the hands of private individuals," he added.

Gyan has been working in non-official roles with the Black Stars, complementing the efforts of former teammate Stephen Appiah, who serves as deputy chair of the Management Committee.

Asamoah Gyan played in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups in Germany, South Africa and Brazil, respectively and remains Africa's top goalscorer in the history of the global showpiece.