You can do everything to satisfy mankind, but the slightest mistake made can’t ever be forgotten. That is why the Holy Bible always preaches about good deeds at all times.
Football’s governing body, FIFA, has re-examined the thrilling World Cup quarter-final match between Ghana and Uruguay in 2010.
For Ghanaians and, to a significant extent, Africans, the July 2, 2010, match—which took place precisely 14 years ago today—produced one of the most devastating moments. Ghana eventually tumbled out of the competition after staring at a historic semifinal.
At the end of the first half, Sulley Muntari’s thunderous shot gave Ghana the lead. But the lead was short-lived, as Diego Forlán equalized the score ten minutes into the second half.
There were no further goals scored in the game when extra time was called. It was an intense, action-packed game where both teams had to come up with something exceptional to give them the advantage.
Ghana appeared to have discovered something exceptional near the end. John Paintsil took the free kick after the Black Stars won one on the right side of the attack.
Following Kevin-Prince Boateng’s flick into the area to initiate the free kick, the former Fulham player attempted a weak looping cross.
Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was about to head a header from John Mensah, but he managed to get off his line and redirect the ball back into the six-yard box with a slight fist.
Stephen Appiah swiftly assumed the goalkeeper’s position and pounced on the rebound with a left-footed effort, but Luis Suárez blocked his goal-bound attempt.
When the ball bounced back into the area, Dominic Adiyiah, the substitute, got a head start on it. Suárez’s hand stop of a header that was headed toward goal gave Ghana a penalty, and Adiyiah had virtually won it.
After giving Suárez the command to march, Asamoah Gyan took the field for the pivotal play.
Gyan was the dependable player at the crucial moment, scoring two penalties during the group stage. He was just a few seconds away from leading Ghana to the semifinals, making history as the first African nation to get past the round of four, and—perhaps most importantly—completing this achievement in South Africa, on African territory. Still, it was not intended to be.
At the FNB stadium, the thunderous vuvuzela sounds abruptly gave way to a dreadful silence. For Ghanaians and many other Africans who watched the bright light at the end of the tunnel go, that moment felt like a dagger in their hearts.
Ghana ultimately suffered a 4-2 loss on penalties, having their hopes cruelly dashed.
Indeed, Asante Nkai, we still remember the 2010 penalty World Cup that Asamoah Gyan missed more than anything else in Ghanaian football.
About The Author
