International Football
TEN YEARS AFTER, GHANA’S ASAMOAH GYAN STILL HUNTED BY LAST MINUTE PENALTY MISS AT WORLD CUP
Black Star’s striker, Asamoah Gyan has admitted his extra-time penalty miss for Ghana against Uruguay in their 2010 World Cup quarter-final will haunt him for the rest of his life.
The Black Stars reached the last-eight stage in South Africa in what was just their second World Cup campaign.
And Ghana were on the verge of becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final when they were awarded a penalty in added time of the second period of extra-time after Luis Suarez had used his hand to prevent Dominic Adiyiah’s header from finding the net.
The Uruguayan was given a straight red card but Gyan wasted the consequent penalty after smashing it onto the bar before the ball looped over, and he admitted he cried all night after the miss.
‘Till today, any time alone, it still haunts me,’ the 34-year old told TV3 Ghana.
‘Sometimes I feel like the world should go back again so I can redeem myself, but I know this is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
‘I accept that because there is nothing I can do about it. I went there to save my country, but I ended up being the villain, which I accept because I know how people feel.
‘It was a disaster. It was crazy. I was also calm because I couldn’t sleep the whole night because I was crying the whole night until morning so I was somehow calm because I couldn’t cry anymore.
‘All I was telling myself was to get another chance because I knew I could redeem myself even if not football, something else. But even if I don’t, my kids will do it one day.’
Gyan’s latest competition action with his country saw him used twice as a substitute in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they crashed out to Tunisia on penalties in the Round of 16.
The 34-year-old was not due to play after announcing his retirement just before the tournament, but was persuaded to reverse his decision following talks with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.
And Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 caps, insists retirement has taken a back seat in his bid to try and secure national team honours, which is yet to happen in his 17-year international career.
‘It looks like people want to retire me, but I’m not done yet,’ the former Sunderland forward continued.
‘I had a couple of injuries, but I’m getting back to full fitness. I’m now okay and feel good in my body. I have added a bit of weight that I have to work on and get back to shape.
‘Not winning a trophy with the Black Stars bothers me. Since 2003, I’ve gotten a bronze medal and silver; I want the gold, which I don’t have. So that is what bothers me until now and that is what I want to achieve.
‘For me, what will make somebody quit football is dedication, but it is still there so I feel I have a lot to prove and do on the field; when I see certain things, I feel like I can still do it.
‘A lot of people have tried, but I always say to myself I will call it a day on my own terms: nobody can retire me.’
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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