Ghana’s record goal scorer Asamoah Gyan says there was no friction between himself and Stephen Appiah to take that crucial penalty that he missed against Uruguay in the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Gyan was a spot kick away from taking Ghana, and Africa then, to its first-ever World Cup semi-final in the final minute of extra time after a Luis Suarez handball.
However, his effort struck the woodwork and left many Africans and Ghanaians hearts broken as Ghana crashed out on penalties, losing 4-2 in the process although Gyan converted his spot kick in the shootouts.
Speaking to Captain Smart in an interview on Onua TV on the Maakye morning show, Gyan explained the details of the incident, indicating that he was the first choice penalty taker at the time and Stephen Appiah did not refute his claim to take the spot kick.
“Stephen [Appiah] was bringing the ball to me to take the penalty. I was the obvious one to take because I had scored against Serbia and Australia,” Gyan said.
“He approached me after the final whistle and motivated me to take the first penalty during the shootout against Uruguay.”
Asamoah Gyan remains the highest-ever scorer for the Black Stars with 51 goals in 109 appearances and the ex-captain surely did the country proud although his 2010 penalty miss will live with him for a very long time.
By Prosper Kuzo|3Sports|Onuaonline.com|Ghana
