John Pantsil in action for the Black Stars

John Pantsil has surrendered the Black Stars captaincy to striker Asamoah Gyan for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier against Malawi.

Pantsil’s decision which was ratified by coach Akwasi Appiah is ‘to continue to boost the morale’ of the Al Ain hitman.

Gyan captained the side to a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the final round qualifier in Accra last month.

Pantsil believes the gesture to cede the captaincy to the 26-year-old will give Ghana the psychological edge over Malawi on Saturday.

“I spoke to the coach of my decision to relinquish the captaincy to Asamoah Gyan,” Paintsil told Kumasi-based Angel FM.

“The coach after considering my proposal eventually granted it and congratulated me for this thought.

“I had been away from the team for some time and Asamoah (Gyan) captained the team to victory in the first leg game in Accra.

“So to continue to boost his morale and get a psychological edge over Malawi I think it is only proper that he captains the team for the return match.

“I as a senior player, am prepared to offer Asamoah all my support to ensure he leads the team to victory once more again.”

Pantsil would have automatically assumed leadership of the team following the absence of substantive captain and his deputy John Mensah and Michael Essien respectively.

The Black Stars who carry a 2-0 lead into the return encounter with the Flames in Lilongwe are currently camping in Kenya ahead of Saturday’s game.

Source: MTNFootball.com