The controversy surrounding Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final clash against Uruguay has resurfaced, with accusations of deliberate sabotage. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for South Dayi, has voiced his suspicions, alleging that Gyan intentionally missed the crucial penalty due to political motives.
During the match, with the score tied at 1-1, Gyan had the chance to secure Ghana’s place in the World Cup semi-finals by converting a penalty kick. However, his shot struck the crossbar, and Ghana eventually lost in the subsequent penalty shootout. Dafeamekpor suggests that Gyan’s political allegiance to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) influenced his actions on the field.
In a radio interview with Radio XYZ, Dafeamekpor expressed his belief that Gyan deliberately threw away the penalty to prevent the NDC government from receiving the glory of a World Cup victory. He cited Gyan’s involvement with the Bawumia campaign team, a faction of the NPP, as evidence of his political bias.
The accusations against Gyan gained traction following his inclusion in the NPP’s campaign manifesto appointees for the 2024 elections. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Gyan remains steadfast in his commitment to contributing to the development of sports in Ghana.
Responding to the allegations, Gyan maintained his composure, stating that he is accustomed to criticism and unfazed by the opinions of others. He emphasized his focus on utilizing his experience to benefit the sports sector and dismissed suggestions of political interference in his actions on the field.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Gyan acknowledged the inevitability of criticism and welcomed it as a motivator for improvement. He emphasized the importance of pushing oneself and one’s team to achieve greater success despite external scrutiny.
Gyan’s achievements in football speak for themselves, as he holds the title of Africa’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup with six goals and the record for the most goals scored for the Black Stars with 51 goals. His dedication to the sport and his remarkable achievements have solidified his legacy in Ghanaian football history.
While the controversy surrounding Gyan’s missed penalty may continue to spark debate, his focus remains on utilizing his expertise to contribute positively to the sports sector. Despite facing criticism and accusations, Gyan’s resilience and determination remain unwavering as he continues to pursue his passion for football.
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