2010 World Cup: I wish I could retake missed penalty against Uruguay - Asamoah Gyan

Former Ghanaian captain, Asamoah Gyan, has opened up about the missed penalty that cost Ghana a historic moment in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal against Uruguay.

He revealed that he harbours hopes of a second chance to redeem himself for the crucial miss.

Ghana was on the brink of making history as the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals during the tournament held in South Africa. However, Gyan's missed penalty dashed those dreams, leading to Ghana's elimination from the competition.

Gyan, who had been a standout performer throughout the tournament, faced intense scrutiny and criticism following the miss, with some questioning his focus during the penalty kick.

Reflecting on the incident, Gyan expressed a desire for a chance to rewrite history.

He stated, “That penalty was meant to be,” he told Onua TV. “It was meant to be. My leg was supposed to be in a certain position to kick the ball in a certain way but I didn’t get it well.

“Our first game against Guinea in the 2008 AFCON was a penalty and how I scored that ball was the same way I wanted to play that penalty but…”

“I wish the clock of time could wind back so I retake that penalty. I was hurt because it was something I could do and if I could score that penalty, that would make Ghanaians happy,” he said.

Despite the disappointment and criticism, Gyan, who has since retired from professional football, remains Ghana's all-time leading goal scorer and holds the record for Africa's highest goal scorer in the World Cup.