Former Black Stars player Asamoah Gyan has shed light on the interaction between himself and Stephen Appiah following the crucial penalty miss against Uruguay in the quarter-final stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Gyan’s missed penalty, after Luis Suarez’s handball offence, denied Ghana a historic semi-final spot.
Contrary to the common belief that captain Stephen Appiah was dissatisfied with Gyan, the former striker clarified that Appiah was offering encouragement rather than criticism.
In an interview with Onua TV on Monday, April 15, 2024, Gyan explained that Appiah was well aware that he was designated as Ghana’s first penalty taker during the 2010 World Cup.
“When we got the penalty, the coach had already made the decision that I was the first penalty taker. I had already scored against Serbia and Australia. So it was obvious,” Gyan said.
He added, “Even if Stephen Appiah had taken the ball, he would have given it to me to take the penalty. He approached me after the final whistle and motivated me to take the first penalty during the shootout against Uruguay.”
Gyan participated in three World Cup tournaments, establishing himself as Africa’s top goalscorer with a total of six goals.