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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.