At 26, Edwin Gyasi is getting a first bite at playing at the senior international level after receiving an invitation for Ghana’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying games against Congo.
The Norway-based winger with Aalesunds FK is the relatively known of the two new faces Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah named in his 24-man squad for the September 1 and 5 games.
Gyasi has three goals and same number for assists in 16 appearances so far in his debut season for Aalesunds in the Eliteserien.
The player, who until recently had plied his trade in the Netherlands, speaks exclusively to Footy-Ghana.com about his career, debut call-up, Ghana’s World Cup chances and more.
- Footy-Ghana.com: Thanks for the opportunity to have this session with you Edwin. And congratulations on your invitation to the Ghana national football team for the qualifying games to the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Edwin Gyasi: Thank you too
Before we go on, what is this Netherlands/Ghana link? Was there a tussle over who to play for?
Edwin Gyasi: I always wanted to play for Ghana
- Footy-Ghana.com: There are talks you preferred the Dutch team to Ghana in years past. What do you have to say?
Edwin Gyasi: That’s not true
- Footy-Ghana.com: Did you ever represent the Netherlands at any level?
Edwin Gyasi: Yes, at the Under-17 and Under-20s
- Footy-Ghana.com: Can you mention some of the players you played with who are still at the top level now?
Edwin Gyasi: Adam Maher, Leroy Fer (I also played with him at FC Twente), Nacer chadli, Dusan Tadic
- Now the chance to play international football at the highest level is here. How does it feel getting your first international call-up?
Edwin Gyasi: It feels great. I feel blessed to represent Ghana
- Footy-Ghana.com: How did you get to know about this invitation? And your immediate reaction to the news?
Edwin Gyasi: I got a [phone] call from the coach
- Have you been a follower of the Black Stars team? If yes, what has been your observation…
Edwin Gyasi: The Black Stars is a strong team with good players
- Who has been your favourite Ghana national team player – in the current or past?
Edwin Gyasi: Christian Atsu
- Footy-Ghana.com: You’re a winger. On which of the flanks do you prefer playing?
Edwin Gyasi: For me, it doesn’t matter if I play on the left or right
- Footy-Ghana.com: What should the fans expect to see when on the field?
Edwin Gyasi: Hard work !!!
- Footy-Ghana.com: Speed and skill, which is your stronger weapon?
Edwin Gyasi: That’s something the fans should answer
- Footy-Ghana.com: Have you been following the Black Stars’ campaign towards the 2018 Fifa World Cup? With a point from two games, what do you make of Ghana’s chances in a group with powerhouse Egypt, Uganda and Congo against who you’ve earned your first invite?
Edwin Gyasi: well in football everything is possible… there is always a chance
- Footy-Ghan.com: What’s the best goal you ever scored?
Edwin Gyasi: My best goal would be the one against SK Brann this season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS2v6ulopj8
- Footy-Ghana.com: You’re in your first season in Norway. Right? How has the switch to another country been? Are you enjoying life there?
Edwin Gyasi: Life in Norway is treating me well. I had my second child there so Norway will always remain in my heart
- Footy-Ghana.com: What would you do if handed Neymar’s transfer fee?
Edwin Gyasi: Haha. I really don’t know
- Footy-Ghana.com: Are you a music and dance enthusiast? Which song will you prefer to dance to during your initiation dance at the Black Stars camp?
Edwin Gyasi: Wow! Haha. Yeah, any good latest song
- Footy-Ghana.com: So your favorite currently is?
Edwin Gyasi: No kissing by Patoranking
- Footy-Ghana.com: Ghanaian dish or continental? What’s your best food. Can you prepare it?
Edwin Gyasi: Ghanaian dish. Banku. Of course
- Footy-Ghana.com: You appear to be coming from a family filled with ‘ballers’. And you recently faced your brother Raymond. Who else in your line is in this sport?
Edwin Gyasi: Only the two of us!. Raymond and me are not only brothers but also best friends
- Footy-Ghana.com: Playing against Ray, was it the first time professionally? How was the feeling?
Edwin Gyasi: It was a great feeling and also a proud moment in our careers. Not many brothers can say that they played with and against each other on professional level
- Footy-Ghana.com: Thanks for your time, ‘Edwinger’. Oh how about this nickname? Just found it somewhere?
Edwin Gyasi: You’re welcome. Wow, I’ve never heard it before. People just call me Eddie
