Asamoah Gyan quits Ghana 'indefinitely' ›
Ghana star Asamoah Gyan has quit international football “indefinitely”.
Pain of the past fuels Andre Ayew’s 2013 AFCON title agenda ›
Andre Ayew is using the agony of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to build up and win next year’s finals in South Africa. Ghana’s fourth-place finish at the just ended finals in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea means the end of the long trophy drought has been prolonged once again as Ayew’s hopes of going one step better than previous competitions could not materialize.
From a squad player in the 2008 bronze winning team to an influential member in the team that finished runners up in Angola 2010, the weight of expectation and responsibility had been building up greatly on the Black Stars and the Olympique Marseille attacking midfielder.
His relentless power and energy has been one of Ghana’s strengths but when referee Benouza Mohamed blew the whistle to end the semi-final clash against tournament’s eventual winners, Zambia, Ayew, who had been replaced during the 1-0 defeat a week today knew the dream had come crushing.
“I was hurt just like everyone else in the team and our supporters were,” the 22 year-old Ayew exclusively told www.ghanafa.org. “That result [1-0 defeat to Zambia] meant that we missed the final and the chance to win the title,” he said. “Maybe we deserved more from that game than we got but that’s football. The game sometimes produces results which do not reflect the trend of the game. We were very hurt. We were carrying the hopes of an entire nation and accepted the challenge to deliver. Ofcourse, we trusted ourselves that we had the qualities to do the job and indeed, we have a great team but it just didn’t happen.”
“I understand the feelings of the many fans who back the team in various ways. We feel for them and also feel the pain too. We wanted to win it badly. “Every player on the team put in an effort to win the fifth Nations Cup. For a player, being decorated and bringing honour to your country is priceless and we know what we have missed.” Andre said in a low voice.
At just 22, he has being at three consecutive Nations Cup finals and is hoping to make it a fourth but with one sole objective, winning the title. “Yes, we have to start all over again and make sure that we qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. We don’t have too much time. It’s going to be a busy year and we have to focus on our targets,” Andre said. “We have some ten months to ensure we qualify and we have to put in the hardwork to achieve that.”
Gyan scores winner for Al Ain on return
Under-fire Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan marked his return to the UAE Pro League with a strike for Al-Ain in their 2-0 away win over ten-man FC Dubai on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old sealed the victory for the leaders with a 62nd minute strike after Argentine forward Ignacio Scocco had put Al-Ain into the lead on 21 minutes.
Gyan has come under intense public criticism for wasting a penalty in Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Zambia in the Semi-finals of the Nations Cup.
The striker failed to join Ghana’s contingent to Accra after failing to deliver the trophy to Ghana.
Zambia win the African Cup of Nations, honor those lost 19 years ago in plane crash
After taking off from Libreville in Gabon 19 years ago, a military plane carrying most of the squad crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. All 30 people on board, including 18 players, were killed. Before the crash, it was a golden era for Zambia’s football team. Their squad was expected to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, but of course things took a turn for the tragic.
19 years later, there are celebrations all over Zambia. And for good reason. Zambia, for the first time ever, are the Champions of Africa. Accepting the role of underdogs going into the final against the Ivory Coast, a team filled with world class talent like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Gervinho, the Zambians, led by coach Herve Renard, played fearlessly. There were no goals in regulation, so penalty kicks decided who would would be crowned the best team in Africa. Against all odds, Zambia won 8-7 on penalties in what was one of the most dramatic shoot-outs in history. Throughout the shoot-out, the Zambian players and staff were singing, creating a surreal environment that transcended the events partaking on the pitch. The trophy doesn’t make up for what was lost 19 years ago, but tonight a feeling of vindication will fill the air throughout Zambia.
Congratulations Zambia!
This final will not end…..
Anyone watching the AFCON final?? INTENSE!
And I thought Ivory Coast was going to win this easily! But Zambia’s playing its heart out!
Sad day for Black Star fans…but Zambia played a great game!
That being said, I’ll be rooting for Ivory Coast February 12!
Ivory Coast has yet to concede a goal in AFCON. I think they are Ghana’s true threat! Zambia will be tough but I think the last teams standing will be the Elephants and the Black Stars.
What are your predictions for finals?
Ghana 'lucky' to be in Nations Cup semi-finals ›
“I think we were lucky there,” Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan said afterwards. “You know in football anything can happen, luck also counts and you see the error the keeper made.”
Ghana take on Zambia in Wednesday’s first semi-final in Bata, and Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari says his side have a tough task against a Chipolopolo side who have earned their place in the quarter-finals.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” Muntari said. “No one knew that Zambia would go far and they play very good football. They are not just lucky.”
And Ghana makes it to Semi-Finals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had no doubt!!! 2-1!!!
And the dirty playing continues….
Come on Tunisia….Ayew’s down. Abdennour sent off. 10 men left.
