When Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan shot himself into World Cup history after inspiring Ghana to an impressive 2-2 draw against Germany in an enthralling second Group G duel at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza last Saturday.
Gyan gave Ghana an important 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute following Andre Dede Ayew’s equaliser to Germany's 51st minute lead. That classic goal from a delicate Sulley Muntari pass earned Gyan a legendary status after equalling Africa's all-time record of five goals held by Cameroun's Roger Milla.
The goal took Gyan’s tally to 41 to make him Ghana’s all time leading goal scorer, surpassing the 40-goal mark previously shared by Edward Acquah and Kwesi Owusu.
The 28-year-old forward also became the first African player to score in three successive World Cup tournaments. He opened his World Cup account when he scored against the Czech Republic in Ghana’s 2-0 win at the group stage of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Ghana’s first ever World Cup goal, Gyan’s stike (timed at 68 seconds) was the fastest goal of the tournament.
Four years later in South Africa, the more experienced Gyan scored a goal each against Serbia, Australia (both via spot kicks) and USA to take his tally to four.
In a post-match interview in the mixed zone last Saturday, an elated Gyan revelled in the fact that he had joined the ranks of World Cup legends.
“After scoring five World Cup goals I'm now a legend and I'm so happy for that achievement,” he said in response to his new status.
He said as a striker, it was his duty to score goals to help his country and that had been his motivation anytime he played for the Stars.
The Al Ain striker seized the opportunity to congratulate Germany striker Miloslav Klose for also equalling Ronaldo's 15-goal World Cup record two minutes after coming on in Saturday's game.
Ironically, Brazilian legend Ronaldo reached that milestone after scoring a hat-trick against Ghana in the second round of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and last Saturday Klose reached that mark against the Ghanaians.
